In a time of rising unemployment, particularly in rural areas like Uganda’s West Nile region, vocational education and life skills training are more critical than ever.
With a rapidly expanding workforce and economic instability, the challenge is clear: how can young people be equipped with the necessary tools to secure meaningful employment and contribute to their communities?
The answer lies in inclusive, practical learning methodologies—a model now championed through a collaborative initiative funded by the European Union Erasmus+ program.
The Systemic Approach to Strengthening Agribusiness Vocational Education and Training (SASA-VET) project, supported by a €400,000 grant, is transforming vocational training in West Nile.
Implemented by CORDAID, CINOP, and Rikolto, in partnership with three vocational institutions—Pride Agricultural and Technical Institute, Koboko Technical Institute, and Lodonga Polytechnic School—the project aims to bridge the gap between education and employability by equipping youth with relevant skills for the real world.
Focusing on the agricultural sector, SASA-VET recognizes the immense potential of agribusiness in a region facing rapid population growth, partly due to an influx of refugees.
With increasing demand for food and employment, enhancing agricultural production and business opportunities is essential. Lincoln Opio, Program Manager for Agri-Food System Strengthening with CORDAID Uganda, explains that the project exposes young people to agribusiness opportunities by integrating both technical and practical training.
Too often, vocational training prioritises technical knowledge without preparing students for the realities of professional life.
SASA-VET takes a different approach by embedding essential life skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork into the curriculum.
This ensures that graduates emerge as not only skilled workers but also as adaptable and confident individuals ready for the job market.
This initiative is particularly crucial in West Nile, a region hosting over 700,000 refugees and grappling with economic challenges.
Limited job opportunities and barriers to higher education mean that young people need more than just technical training; they need resilience, adaptability, and the ability to innovate in an unpredictable world.
Dr Geoffrey Bakole, director of Pride Agricultural and Technical Institute in Arua City, emphasizes that the project empowers youth by providing training in agro-business, horticulture, agricultural trade, vegetable production, and apiary.
“As a trainer of trainers, I will be able to teach others, including within my institution. This will help the youth improve their skills and earnings,” he states.
A key pillar of SASA-VET is the Train-the-Trainer (ToT) model, designed to create a ripple effect of knowledge and expertise.
In March 2025, 20 tutors from participating vocational institutions underwent intensive training in pedagogical-didactical techniques, curriculum development, and effective lesson planning.
By empowering educators, the project ensures that life skills education remains a sustainable part of vocational training in the region.
These trained tutors will now play a vital role in refining institutional policies, developing localized curricula, and mentoring fellow educators.
This approach strengthens not just individual institutions but also builds a resilient education system capable of adapting to evolving regional needs.
The project also emphasizes hands-on training, with plans to establish demonstration farms and group-based farming activities where young people can apply their skills.
Additionally, climate-smart agricultural practices, such as simple bottle irrigation, will be introduced to promote sustainable and affordable farming techniques.
Vocational education must align with labor market needs, and SASA-VET goes beyond conventional training models.
Moving forward, CORDAID, CINOP, and Rikolto will provide ongoing coaching and mentorship, ensuring that the Euroguidance Career Compass and the GROW ME coaching model are effectively adapted for Ugandan vocational institutions.
The initiative also aims to forge strong linkages between vocational training centers and local economic stakeholders, ensuring that graduates are not just trained but also employed.
Kleinendurst Willem, Advisor at CINOP, highlights that the program also incorporates financial literacy and community funding to create a holistic approach to vocational training.
Meanwhile, Vissction Wicco, the international project manager at CINOP, emphasizes that the initiative aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP), ensuring its long-term sustainability.
The SASA-VET project is more than just a funded initiative—it represents a shift in mindset. It calls on policymakers, educators, and development partners to rethink vocational training as a holistic process that prepares young people not just for jobs, but for life.
Empowering Uganda’s youth requires an education system that extends beyond the classroom, integrating skills that help them thrive in a constantly changing world.
By embedding life skills into vocational education, Uganda is not only strengthening its workforce but also laying the foundation for a more self-reliant, innovative, and economically stable future. The time to act is now.