The story of Alex Pole Jumable begins on 3rd November 1995, in the heart of Chonyi, Kilifi County where he spent most of his childhood as a fifth of six children. At a young age, Alex learned the value of resilience. He attended Kisauni Baptist Primary School and sat for his KCPE in 2014. His first attempt did not result in a performance his father had hoped for, so he repeated a class and scored 293 in his second attempt – a testament of his dedication.
Determined to push forward, Alex moved from Chonyi to Mombasa living in a family-owned property and enrolled in Tononoka Secondary School. In 2018, he completed his KCSE with a result of D minus – this left him disheartened and uncertain about his future. Therefore, left with limited options he stayed home for three years, unsure of the next step.
Driven to support himself and his family, Alex took a job with Delphi Security Company despite the pay being insufficient to sustain his own and his family’s needs. After a while at his father’s urging, he left the job and took on casual construction work to get by.
In early 2022, amid his uncertain job prospects, Alex was presented with a new path when his uncle – who works at Mabati Rolling Mills – paid him a visit to Mishomoroni where he was living. His uncle heard his frustration and encouraged him to apply to the Mabati Technical Training Institute (MTTI), providing him with the admission form. He assured Alex that acquiring a technical skill would open doors and lead him to financial stability and employment.
So, he took the leap.
Alex joined MTTI in May 2022 where he enrolled in General Fitting, he was determined to make the most of his skills and resources and so a year later, he advanced to Arc Welding. Alex’ dedication and talent were recognized by the Global Opportunity Youth Network, who offered him a partial sponsorship which greatly helped him lighten his financial load and allowed him to focus on his studies.
In December 2023, Alex completed the welding course and promptly secured an industrial attachment with Bahari Forwarders where his technical skills met hands-on expertise. His attachment lasted from January to April 2024 where he gained relevant experience and a passion for the craft. Shortly after his completion, the MTTI Career Services Office gave him a call; his technical flair and accelerating performance matched the needs of Mombasa Canvas, who was looking to hire welders. Alex summoned the courage and applied for the job, he sat for an interview and was able to secure a position with them.
Today, Alex is a proud welding professional at Mombasa Canvas, building a future he once thought was out of reach.
He expresses his heartfelt gratitude to MTTI, for equipping him with the skills to rebuild his life, to the Global Opportunity Youth Network, for supporting him in his time of need, and to Mombasa Canvas for giving him the chance to succeed and hone his skills.
Alex’s message echoes his journey of resilience and serves as an inspiration to young people: “Don’t give up. Fight for your dreams. Even when it looks dark, something will give. MTTI gave me a skill I can count on. This place is tested, approved, and trusted. You can trust it too.”
Alex’s story is one of courage and relentless determination. From a root of uncertainty, he emerged as an example of how second chances, with hard work can transform lives.
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