From Curiosity to Success: How One Man’s Passion Led to a Thriving Painting Business

Amade’s journey started in Nampula, Mozambique, where he lost his father at the age of five. Raised by his uncle, Amade was given the chance to complete secondary school, but his dream of higher education met obstacles. After moving to Maputo in 2011, he faced difficulties in gaining admission to a university.

For ten long years, he searched for training opportunities. His break came when he discovered the Centro de Formação Profissional das Obras Públicas, which partnered with Swisscontact and the Skills to Build project. This program offered technical training, and Amade’s curiosity about the beauty of painted buildings led him to enroll in the painting course.

The Transformative Power of Training

“I always wondered how houses could look so beautiful,” Amade recalls. His fascination grew in Maputo, where he noticed the vibrant transformation of buildings around him. His time in the training program allowed him to explore the theory and practice of painting, while factory visits deepened his understanding of paint production and color mixing.

Amade’s education wasn’t just technical; it was empowering. “The training was excellent. I was able to satisfy my curiosity and gain valuable knowledge about the painting process,” he says.

Building a Business from the Ground Up

After completing the course, Amade interned at Pinta Lar, a placement arranged by Swisscontact. Confident in his new skills, he decided to take a bold step: starting his own business. Collaborating with former classmates, Amade also began teaching other young people in his community. “I’ve trained 10 young people so far, and I work regularly with three of them,” he says proudly.

His clients are always pleased with his work, which fuels Amade’s drive to expand his business. “My greatest joy is seeing my clients satisfied when they get the paintingthey’ve dreamed of,” he shares.

Dreams of a Bigger Future

Amade isn’t stopping at painting. His dream is to establish a construction company, gathering professionals from multiple trades to help clients realize their dream homes. 

His story is proof that with the right opportunities and support, anything is possible.

With the Medicor Foundation, Happel Foundation, Linsi Foundation, and other donors backing this initiative, and the program co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), countless more stories like Amade’s are waiting to unfold.

If you're inspired by Amade's story, consider exploring similar training opportunities and start building the future you envision.