MOTOR VEHICLE MECHANICS
first insights into vocational orientation
Traffic safety is a major challenge in Zambia, as in many other countries in Africa Traffic accidents are among the most common causes of death in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to dilapidated roads, the reasons for this are often the condition of motor vehicles. For this reason, Chreso Ministries has been offering training in automotive mechatronics for several years. After successful completion of the basic course, the participants have the opportunity to attend further courses. The basic courses are necessary to provide qualified instruction due to the different prerequisites and abilities of the participants. Each course lasts one week or 40 hours and covers theoretical and practical contents of learning field 3 of the dual education in analogy to the German vocational education. Technical books, film clips and practical exercises on self-built laboratory equipment are used.
Chreso Ministries is responsible for the infrastructure and administration of the course for about 40 participants. The basic course is taught by Gelson Maluma, who was recruited as course instructor in 2014. Richard Zeier conducts the automotive electronics course for the participants of the basic course. The equipment was made possible by private donations. Since 2017, the program has also included prison inmates who are to be resocialized through vocational training. Through Chreso Ministries' contacts (medical care) with correctional institutions in Lusaka, several courses for prison inmates have been completed with great success.
The interest in the courses is very high. In addition to the basic course, more advanced courses on mechatronics could also be offered. The group of students consists of a mixture of civilians and detainees in everyday clothing and is accompanied by a guard. The acceptance ceremony is broadcast live by the national television station in Zambia.
Chreso-Ministries' automotive training a model for success
The development ff the SCHOOL OF MOTOR VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY at the Chreso Ministries in LUSAKA/SAMBIA
The first course started in 2014 and was fully booked with 40 participants within a very short space of time. Eight courses have been held so far, and teaching models have been developed to match. Educational films and specialist books in English have been procured and a training workshop, including equipment for the practical part, has been set up. The focus was on topics such as: Engine mechanics, electronic vehicle diagnostics, air conditioning/hydraulic brakes and ABS systems/tire wear and wheel alignment/basic vehicle transmission knowledge.
The automotive project in Lusaka/Zambia is growing
Over the past nine years, the School of Automotive Technology has developed into a reliable partner for vocational training in Zambia. An aid program set up by the Zambian government (CDF Fund) regularly provides funds that can be freely selected and used by the respective constituencies for sustainable projects. Here, the School of Automotive Engineering benefited from extensive funding, which currently enables 87 pupils to receive an education. Lessons are taught by two teachers in various classrooms and the training workshop in theory and practice. During Richard Zeier's visit to the school in November 2023, a new course on "Basic knowledge of power transmission systems" was introduced. Various transmission and clutch models manufactured in Germany were used for this purpose. The students followed the lessons with great interest, which led to an additional expansion of their knowledge and skills.
Project extension: Fountain Gate Crafts & Trades School
The project trip in November 2023 also included a visit to the Crafts & Trades School on the outskirts of Lusaka, which opened in November 2021. It is also part of the Chreso Ministries. The school offers four different apprenticeships: Bricklayer, electrician, plumber and solar system installer. The Crafts & Trades School corresponds in size and equipment to a German trade school and was presented as a showcase project to the German Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the beginning of November 2023. The Rhine-Main Chamber of Skilled Crafts in Frankfurt played a major role in the realization of the Crafts & Trades School. In addition to the financial support, the Rhine-Main Chamber of Crafts regularly sends trainers to the vocational training center for further training to become "International Master Craftsmen".
In addition to the master craftsmen from Germany, Zambian trainees are also deployed. The demand for further vocational fields is high, which is why an expansion of the Crafts & Trades School is being considered.
Motor Mechanics Picture Gallery
