Last week, Mechanics for Africa completed the selection process for the 2026 intake of our Automotive Mechanics programme.
The process began with aptitude tests to help us understand the learning needs and readiness of each prospective student. The next day, those who passed were invited to individual interviews. In total, we interviewed 58 young people, listening carefully to their experiences, their hopes, and their reasons for wanting to train at MfA.
Every story was different. Many of the students who came to us have faced setbacks in their education or personal circumstances. For some, simply being here—walking through the campus, sharing a meal, meeting staff, and seeing the workshop in action—brought a renewed sense of possibility. A quiet hope that life can move forward from here.
What we heard throughout these interviews was a sincere desire to learn, to work hard, and to build a future marked by dignity and purpose. It is a humbling thing to sit with a young person who is determined to begin again.
Our mission remains simple:
To share the love of Jesus through discipleship and skills development.
We are grateful to play a part in the early steps of these journeys, and we look forward to welcoming the students who will join us in January.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9