Turning passion into profession

After completing secondary school in 2021, Michael began technical training in 2022 at the Professional Training Center for Public Works. In 2023, he interned at Makatea Construções e Reformas, supported by Swisscontact through the Skills to Build project. This internship was crucial in strengthening his knowledge and expanding his practical skills.

In September 2023, Michael secured a job at Cera Construções, a Turkish construction company in Mozambique. This job not only provided a stable source of income but also valuable professional experience. Working on large-scale and high-demand plumbing projects, Michael has the opportunity to apply and expand his knowledge daily.

“It’s so good to be part of this company. I’m learning every day and the tasks assigned to me have received positive feedback. This boosts my confidence in what I can achieve as a building plumbing technician. I feel like I’m growing professionally in terms of skills,” said Michael.

In addition to his dedication to work, Michael is empathetic and concerned about his fellow trainees. With his salary, he is financially preparing to open a small plumbing services company. He has already designed the project and started the legalization process.

“I’ve always thought about being an entrepreneur and I believe I have the potential for it. I’m in the process of creating a small company dedicated to plumbing, where I will collaborate with my colleagues and friends who didn’t have the same opportunities as I did. This way, we can meet our needs,” Michael declared.

Michael Lourenço Zimba’s story is inspiring. He seeks not only his professional development but also the well-being of his fellow trainees. His journey highlights the importance of technical training and the opportunities provided by the Skills to Build project. Michael is a living example of how training and determination can open doors and create a promising future.

This project is financed by the Medicor Foundation, Happel Foundation, and Linsi Foundation, among other donors. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.