“Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success”, - Napoleon Hill these are the words the great Author used to portray life as a ray of hope in his book ‘Think and Glow Rich’. Indeed, life ought to be seen as a ray of hope, so much so that our present circumstances should not push us to give up but rather energize us to do more. If anything is to be told on patience, persistence, and perspiration is to be told. The story of two outstanding graduates Chipiliro Shadreck and Peter Kasula deserves to be told a thousand times. 

Until 2018, Chipiliro used to work as a guard at the College of Medicine under one of the security companies that had won a contract with the institution then. Desperation and poverty had pushed Chipiliro, an MSCE holder into the guarding job. Seeing his peers (fellow youths) in the University corridors sparked something in Chipiliro. He became so determined to seek opportunities that would allow him to pursue further studies that when an opportunity arose at DAPP Mikolongwe in Chiradzulu, he did not hesitate but jumped on it.

On his choices, the Fabrication and welding course came first. The over-excited and anxious Chipiliro never worried about the source of his school at that particular time until his application was successful. 

Not sure of where he would get the funding for his studies, he approached one of his bosses at the College of Medicine Jeromy Galagada for assistance. To the surprise of Chipiliro, It did not take a lot of effort to convince Jeromy to support him in his education. Jeromy thanked him for making such a bold and wise decision and committed to supporting Chipiliro with all his school needs.  

It was during his level 1 industrial attachment that Chipiliro met his now business partner Peter Kasula in 2019. At that time Peter was also on level 1 industrial attachment. Just like Chipiliro, Peter had his share of challenges in life. Before enrolling for TEVET at Naminjiwa Community Technical College, Peter was a seasoned farm worker in Mozambique.  Unlike Chipiliro who had secured a sponsor for his studies, Peter struggled to pay for his own fees and upkeep bills. Peter only applied for the training out of peer pressure and encouragement from the college’s Principal who he had just bumped when he went to collect the forms at the college.

While at the industrial attachments with Chipiliro, Peter was introduced to Jeromy who later supported him with his studies after the industrial attachments. It was during this period of attachments that the dual used their weekends to do a door-to-door search for Fabrication and welding piece works. This was done to support their stay in Blantyre. At this time, they had mastered their skill and won the trust of many clients who had given them a shot. Eventually, their appetite to become entrepreneurs grew but unfortunately for them, they had to return to school to finalize their level 2 studies.

When they completed their studies, Jeromy who was still supporting them, asked the dual to consider relocating to Blantyre for easy support. Meanwhile, the dual had other plans, to get established in business. They approached Jeromy for a possible loan to finance their business so that they could buy start-up tools for their business. The idea excited Jeromy who had similar entrepreneurial thoughts. However, instead of lending them money, he proposed a partnership arrangement in which they would be the managers while he would focus on sourcing funds. Later, the group agreed to get a loan from a village bank to finance the business.

The business which started as a small enterprise by 2 TEVET graduates in 2020 is now a well-known established enterprise employing over 5 people. The enterprise, JCP Fabrication, and Welding Works, which is an abbreviation of the co-owner’s name stands out due to its impressive welding and fabrication works. Located at Green Corner off Chikwawa Road, JCP Workshop is well known for its quality products and services.

The future of the young men, who were posed to lavish in poverty is now glamorous due to their decisions to acquire a technical skill. A big lesson in all this is whatever happens in life don’t give up and it is not too late to start fresh. Life offers different opportunities.