A quick fix

Friday, April 24, 2015

Ten-year-old Erbakat says, “I like to see many cars come over to the car repair shop. I help to fix flat tires. I find equipment for my uncles when they are fixing. I like to hang out with them. They teach me how to fix."

He is the only man at home. He goes to school. Also he goes to the hills to collect bushes along with the other neighbour boy children. While his family burns coal to heat their house, Erbakat collects bushes help the fire ignite easily.

In his free time, he runs to his uncle Khuangan’s car repair shop supported by World Vision.

Uncle Khuangan Kajiman says, “I attended many World Vision trainings. I wrote a proposal to operate a car repair shop with my relatives. Five of us are working together and I am leading. Last November, we got equipment from World Vision. We found out that in the winter it is difficult to fix cars because we work outside. Mostly we are fixing flat tires inside. We are renovating our work place to create a good working environment. We are using my place in central area. We are working for the last 10 days, as the weather is getting warmer. We just figured out we need more equipment. We are going to work hard during the warm season. We are working on three areas; welding, repairing flat tires, and cars. We need to start washing cars as well. When we work hard, we can increase our income. We aim to become a company. Eventually, we want to build something for children; a playground or something to educate children. I and my wife are teachers.”

World Vision supports community people who are interested in running business under an economic project. The organization trains people in business and encourages them to write proposals. Khunagan and his team’s proposal was chosen.

Erbakat’s mother Kulaan Kajiman, 45, says, “I will wash cars at the car repair shop from March or April, when it gets warmer. My husband was a drunk. We divorced 10 years ago after having three children. I earn about USD 150 embroidering traditional kazak decorations on purse, bags, and bed sheets. It covers family food. I am joining in the working group to increase my income."

"I like my son is running to the repair shop. His uncles encourage him giving a little money every time he helps to fix flat tire. He dreams to work at his uncle’s as an engineer. And he thinks that he has to learn mathematic well to succeed in this field."