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Like many young Congolese living in fragile contexts, Alfred has seen his dreams deteriorate in the face of the realities of everyday life. At only 14 years old, he went to school with a small manual clipper, earning a few coins by cutting his classmates' hair. But there were many obstacles: illness and lack of resources forced him to leave school.
In 2018, he tried to join a hairdressing salon. In vain. "I didn't have the convincing touch," he confides.
Then one day, he discovered the electric clipper, an instrument that gave rise to a real passion for hairdressing. But passion alone is not enough. You need skills, a method, a real springboard.
This springboard came in 2023, when Alfred was referred to the PROMOST IV program. He discovers not only technical training in mixed hairdressing, but also essential modules on personal development, conflict management, reproductive health, entrepreneurship and financial education. Well beyond the gestures of the trade, these essential modules teach him how to manage a clientele, plan his projects, make strategic decisions and face the vagaries of life with resilience.
During 3 months of technical training and 6 months of support, Alfred is totally invested in the acquisition of skills with a well-defined vision in the profession of mixed hairdresser.
In February 2024, Alfred opened his own hair salon. With an initial loan from his entourage, he bought three clippers, mirrors, combs, care products and rented a small premises. The "Blessed Gift" fair was born. Now, twelve months later, he earns an average of 15,000 Congolese francs (about US$5) per day, or nearly 100,000 francs (about US$33) per week, allowing him to support his family. But its success doesn't stop at the money.
Alfred went from living with his father to owning his own three-bedroom house with a living room, a shelter he built with his own hands. Her income allows her to cover the rent of her living room, electricity, food for her family and her transportation costs.
He saves weekly in three Village Savings Associations (VSLAs) and has invested in goat and poultry farming, providing his family with extra security. He does not stop there: he now trains other young people, passing on his knowledge and passion.
Alfred sees his future as great. He wants to help his wife go back to school to obtain her state diploma, open other salons in nearby villages, send his children to school and expand his house. His ambition is also communal: he wants to become an actor of change, an example for the youth of Idjwi.
In a country where more than 32% of young people aged 15 to 24 are not in employment, education or training (Source : World Bank, 2021), stories like Alfred's show that solutions exist. Provided that they are locally anchored, humanly thought out and structurally sustainable. PROMOST IV does not only offer professional training. It builds bridges to self-reliance, strengthens local systems and empowers young people to believe in themselves.