Jambiani Fundi Workshop opens for business

Our ‘fundis’ (tradesmen) continue to be gainfully employed. Two electricians and two plumbers now have good jobs at a very large new hotel complex, managed by a German company, situated in the far north of the village. The site manager is delighted with the standard of their work, and with their general attitude. The Refrigeration Engineer has found a place as an apprentice in a luxury hotel just up the coast, where he can expect to be fully employed after a few months.

The motor mechanics have almost completed their apprenticeship at a modern Toyota garage in Stone Town and will shortly be joining a small but well-run garage in Paje, 10 minutes from Jambiani. ZAP will be providing them with transport and some new equipment which they will ‘bring to the party’ so to speak. More up to date news will be available after our summer visit when we will assist Mr Pandu and Mr Vuai to lay the foundations for what promises to be a thriving partnership.

Meanwhile, two carpenter fundis have started their training in Stone Town. We are immensely grateful for substantial sponsorship from a Charitable Trust, earmarked specially for the JFW which has enabled all this innovative venture to go forward.

The fundis now need a period of consolidation and work experience before they can branch out on their own. We – and they – envisage their taking on apprentices from the village before too long, but they still have much to learn and as usual one must remember the maxim ‘pole pole in Africa’!