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A trade and a hammer…

© DanChurchAid

A tearing noise from an angle grinder cutting iron for window frames; a flashing blinding light from the welding machines; rhythmical sounds from the workbenches.

It is difficult to understand how a group of students can concentrate on both geometry and right angles at the same time in a corner of the big workshop building that houses DanChurchAid’s partner’s, Church World Service (CWS), trade school in Manshera.

But the 70 students are serious and concentrating. They know that shortly they have to pass a nationally recognised test before they can call themselves electricians, welders, carpenters, builders or plumbers. Only after passing the test can they participate in the rebuilding process of their provinces affected by the earthquake.

Mohammed Ahmed at 22 years old is the only one in a family of eight who has a job:

• “I’m used to working as a day-labourer doing casual work. I could earn up to 125 rupees a day. When I’ve finished the training here, I can earn more than double that,”
  Mohammed Ahmed happily.

CWS is running three schools and is planning to train 1,800 workmen in total.

Based on an article written by journalist Peter Høvring ( ph@dca.dk ), published on www.noedhjaelp.dk , 5 October, 2006. Translated and edited by Heidi Rasmussen.