Ernesto’s Welding Journey

Ernesto Alexandre, a young man from the Nhamatanda District in Sofala Province, faced the daunting challenge of social and economic exclusion while in prison. Like many incarcerated youth, his path forward was highly uncertain, leaving him vulnerable to a continuous cycle of marginalisation and socioeconomic hardship upon his eventual release.

A critical turning point arrived through the Skills2Live Project, supported by The Kingdom of the Netherlands. During his sentence, Ernesto enrolled in a welding course implemented through the Mobile Training Programme. This integrated intervention went beyond basic instruction, combining hands-on technical development with vital life skills training to prepare him for a responsible, productive return to society.

“My life improved significantly after the training. Generating my own income enables me to support my wife, children, and siblings, ensuring food, healthcare, and basic expenses are covered.”

Today, Ernesto stands as a testament to sustainable social reintegration. Following his release, he immediately applied his training to establish his own welding business. He is now fully economically active, earning a stable average monthly income of 10,000 Meticals (€137) to 15,000 Meticals (€220). This financial independence has profoundly transformed his living conditions, allowing him to confidently provide food, healthcare, and essential support for his wife, children and siblings while actively contributing to his local economy.

“The practical learning and technical skills development prepared me for a responsible and productive transition to post-incarceration life.”