2024 HIFA Hilfsprojekte Nigeria

Practical carpentry training in Nigeria – a workshop project by HIFA

In July 2024, I travelled to Calabar in south-east Nigeria as a photojournalist with a team of Austrian trainers. Our goal: to bring a carpentry workshop to life – and to give young human beings new prospects for the future through practical training. What I experienced were two weeks full of heat, improvisation, team spirit and genuine hope. This report tells the story of a project that can change lives – and is already doing so.

Arrival at the workshop, lots of potential, lots to do

‘I knew Nigeria would challenge me – but I didn't know how much it would affect me.’ It was humid when we arrived in Calabar. The air was full of noise – car horns, voices, life. Five young men stood in front of the empty workshop, curious but reserved. One of them asked quietly, ‘Does this machine belong to us now?’ At that moment, I realised: this journey would not only bring tools – it would bring hope. And it would write stories. The workshop was empty – but the air vibrated with possibilities. The panel saw, financed by Austrian donations, was still packed in wood and plastic. Together with dedicated trainers from Austria and helpers, we set to work. What followed was sweat, muscle power and a very special spirit that cannot be forgotten.

2. From packaging waste to workpiece

Creativity and sustainability were evident right from the start: the transport wood used for the machines was not disposed of, but reused. The trainees made shelves and furniture from waste wood.➡️ What was supposed to be rubbish became something functional. Boards became the future.

3. Learning under difficult conditions

The training went ahead – but not without obstacles. The power supply was unreliable, with frequent power cuts lasting several hours. Without a generator, the machines stood idle. Only through intensive discussions was it possible to organise a rental generator on site.➡️ The goal is to have our own generator – reliable training requires reliable energy.

📚 4. Two weeks – visible results

At the end stood several solid wooden shelves, handcrafted and proudly displayed.
These pieces of furniture tell stories of teamwork, improvisation and development.
They are tangible proof of what training can achieve in a short period of time.

💬 5. My conclusion – More than just wood

This trip left its mark. In me—and in hundreds of photographs.
I saw young men learning with joy, taking on responsibility and creating something of their own.
➡️ In Calabar, not only wood is processed – the future is built here.