Simon purchased a modern building block machine a few years ago but never had enough cash to purchase the materials needed to make the blocks. These building blocks are much more durable and weather resistant than the clay bricks commonly used to build structures in the area. After attending the mentoring training course Simon learned he could hire local workers to help meet demand for his product.
He took out a low interest loan from our partner Savings and Loan Co-operative to purchase quarry dust, cement, sand and other needed items and is now making several hundred blocks per week. Simon is literally building his community one block at a time.
The WHOlives Mentoring / Entrepreneur program helps young people like Simon gain the skills and access to capital they need to succeed. His mentor meets with him regularly to problem solve and strategize about the future. Not only is Simon building his own future but he also is providing steady employment to local unskilled workers, giving them the ability to grow and develop as well.