Real journeys. Real transformation.

BEFORE

What challenge was the person facing?

I spent 8 years in Johannesburg working in construction. I lost my job, developed dental problems, and my confidence was shattered. I had no savings to bring home.

HOPE

What helped the person believe another future was possible?

POA welcomed me with dignity, not judgement. They assessed my needs and helped me see that my experience still had value.

HEAL

What support helped restore health, wellbeing or confidence?

POA helped restore my smile through the 100 Smiles campaign, and counselling helped me rebuild my confidence.

HOME

How did the person rebuild family, work, business or community life?

POA connected me to skills training and business mentorship, helping me turn my carpentry experience into a furniture workshop.

ISHI

Where are they today?

I now run my own furniture workshop in Dar es Salaam, employing two young men from my community.

BEFORE

What challenge was the person facing?

I worked as a chef in Cape Town for 6 years. I experienced family separation and depression. I lost my sense of purpose and my mental health suffered deeply.

HOPE

What helped the person believe another future was possible?

POA connected me with counselling that helped me find my confidence again and believe that my story was not over.

HEAL

What support helped restore health, wellbeing or confidence?

Counselling helped me process my experiences and restore my emotional stability. The Fresh Start programme helped me build a business plan.

HOME

How did the person rebuild family, work, business or community life?

I rebuilt my family connections and launched a catering business in Arusha that now employs three people.

ISHI

Where are they today?

I now run a catering business in Arusha serving events across the region. My family is reunited and stable.

BEFORE

What challenge was the person facing?

I drove trucks across Gauteng for 10 years. I lost my employment during a downturn and could not afford to stay. I came home with nothing but experience.

HOPE

What helped the person believe another future was possible?

POA helped me see that my driving experience was valuable. They matched my skills with a logistics employer looking for exactly what I knew.

HEAL

What support helped restore health, wellbeing or confidence?

POA supported my confidence and helped me prepare for re-entering the workforce in Tanzania.

HOME

How did the person rebuild family, work, business or community life?

The POA Skills Bank matched my driving experience with a logistics employer. They helped me prepare and connected me directly.

ISHI

Where are they today?

I now drive professionally for a logistics company in Dodoma and my family is stable and secure.