Chinese skill transfer pays off to Zambian youth

CHINGOLA, Zambia－Shadreck Malama, 33, son of both blind parents, was lucky that he came across a Chinese national who was running some businesses in Ndola, Zambia.

Malama's upbringing was rough and without proper education because his parents could not afford to pay for his school fees.

"I was helped by this Chinese, Bao Bingwen who did not only give me a job, but he taught me survival life skills," said Malama.

Malama narrated that the Chinese taught him electrical and plumbing skills that he is now using to support his family and his parents.

"I am married and I have four children, I am using the skills that I learned from the Chinese nationality to support my family and my parents," he said.

After he dropped out of secondary school in grade nine, he had no hope for a better life as his parents were sightless.

"I thank almighty living God, that after failing my grade nine junior secondary school, I was employed by the Chinese nationality on a part-time job, and was taught a number of skills that helped me to improve my life socially and economically," he said.

He added that after learning electrical and plumbing skills from the Chinese, he has now set up his own small company in Masaiti district in the peri-urban areas of the Copper-belt Province and he has since employed five of his fellow youths.

"We get various contracts from a number of organizations and we manage to pay ourselves," he said.

From his small business, he is managing to pay wages for his employees, adding that his commitment to learning skills from the Chinese has paid off.

And Bao said he was proud of Malama's determination to learn skills and now he is independent and has created jobs for his fellow youths.

"He is quite a hardworking and determined young man who wants to learn, I am proud of his achievements," Bao said.

Chieftainess Malembeka of the Lamba speaking people in Masaiti district is happy that Chinese entrepreneurs were transferring skills to the youths that were determined to learn.

"The young man was committed and faithful to his Chinese boss, and worked hard to learn skills, that is why he is successful today," the chieftainess said.