Uganda and China to Forge Partnership for Skill Development of Children
This initiative, facilitated by a partnership with the China National Center for Children, is part of a broader effort to strengthen Uganda's educational and vocational training systems, empowering youth with practical skills from an early age.
Uganda and China have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at fostering early childhood skills development for children aged 3 to 18.
This initiative, facilitated by a partnership with the China National Center for Children, is part of a broader effort to strengthen Uganda's educational and vocational training systems, empowering youth with practical skills from an early age.
The collaboration was formalized during a two-day visit by a Chinese delegation to Uganda, following Uganda's participation in a joint program organized by both governments. The initiative focuses on skilling children from the age of 3, emphasising the creation of a foundation for creative, hands-on learning that will continue through their educational years.
During the visit to Migyera UWESO Secondary School, Jolly Karugyire, CEO of the Uganda Women's Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), underscored the importance of this partnership.
“We have over 1,000 children in our institutions, including 500 children below primary age in Karamoja and Masulita, and 450 students in our secondary school in Njeru," she said.
"Through this partnership, we aim to bridge the gap in skilling and equip our children with the tools to not only excel in education but also to become job creators."
The Chinese delegation is eager to share their successful model of early skilling, where children as young as three are taught practical skills.
In China, early vocational training produces highly skilled and innovative individuals by adulthood.
This partnership seeks to replicate that system in Uganda, where children will learn both academic knowledge and vocational expertise.
Discussions are already underway with the Ugandan government, with the Ministry of Education, the First Lady of Uganda, and other officials expressing support for the initiative.
The collaboration aims to introduce vocational training into Uganda's educational framework, starting with primary and secondary school children.
Karugyire mentioned that teacher and instructor training will begin as early as 2025, focusing on equipping Ugandan educators with the skills needed to deliver hands-on learning to children.
"We are optimistic that with government support, we can create an educational environment that nurtures practical skills and fosters entrepreneurship among the youth," she added.
If successful, this initiative could transform Uganda's education system, offering children the opportunity to learn trades and crafts that prepare them for life beyond formal education.
The new approach is expected to reduce unemployment by producing graduates capable of starting their own businesses or finding employment in the skilled labour market.
Both Uganda and China are committed to seeing this project come to fruition, with upcoming training programs in 2025 marking a crucial step toward achieving this shared vision.