A talent for carpentry is a gateway to travelling the world

Lusanda, a 21-year-old graduate of an SOS Children’s Villages and Deutsche Post DHL training programme, plans to start his own company building customised doors and storage spaces for commercial businesses and large companies.

“I would like to travel the world with my carpentry skills,” says Lusanda. “For me, it’s a big opportunity, and I believe that if I put my mind to it, I can make it possible.”

Since he was a child, Lusanda liked to play with wood. “I’m good at carpentry. I’m not professionally trained but it’s a talent I was born with,” he says.

He thought he could benefit from the Freight and Logistic Learnership programme at Deutsche Post DHL where company employees share their insights and experience with young people in SOS Children’s Villages programmes. “I wanted to be something in life,” says Lusanda. “I had role models that I want to look like one day.”

The programme is part of the global YouthCan! initiative, a multi-stakeholder approach to tackle youth employability by increasing employability skills and opportunities for young people.

Ultimately, being part of the programme helped Lusanda plan for his goal. “What I’ve learned is that no matter the situation you come back from, there are people out there who are willing to help,” he says. “If you are willing to give time, if you’re willing to listen, if you’re willing to humble yourself, they will always be there for you.”

Main photo: Lusanda Bodlisa. Photographer: Leonora Barclay.

Learn more:

• YouthCan!
• Youth employability
• Our work in South Africa