There is something methodical about learning to fix an engine. Patience matters. So does persistence. Often, finding the solution means learning how all the pieces work together. For Oburu Godfrey, who spent years navigating an illness beyond his control, the work of a motor vehicle mechanic apprentice has offered something steady: problems he can actually solve.
Oburu was diagnosed with salivary gland carcinoma as a child – a serious form of childhood cancer. His mother, Akongo Juliet, raised Oburu and his four siblings alone. His illness added significant weight to a household already facing poverty and limited opportunity. Treatment was long and difficult, and Oburu is still recovering. But he has not waited for full recovery to begin building a future for himself and his family.
Today, Oburu is enrolled in PCAU’s Road to Hope program, which supports vulnerable childcaregivers and families through education, psychosocial support, and livelihood opportunities. Through Road to Hope, Oburu is gaining practical skills in a motor vehicle mechanics apprenticeship that will help him achieve long-term independence while supporting his family. He has made steady progress, working through the fundamentals with the same determination that carried him through treatment. Now, Oburu is nearing the point where he can begin practical work and contribute financially to his family – a milestone that felt distant not long ago.
Although his recovery journey is not yet complete, Oburu’s story reminds us that healing extends beyond medical treatment. It also means helping young people and their families rediscover purpose, build confidence, and develop the practical skills they need for the future. In the workshop, every problem has a solution waiting to be discovered. With continued support for Road to Hope, young people like Oburu will gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities to build solutions for themselves and their families.
By Austin Marchand, PCAU Intern / Volunteer
