A youth empowerment initiative in the Rwenzori sub-region is helping hundreds of vulnerable young people acquire vocational skills, start small enterprises, and rebuild their livelihoods through structured training and post-training support.
Joint Effort to Save the Environment (JESE) held a feedback meeting with trainers and youth representatives under the ongoing Skill Up! project, a youth empowerment initiative implemented with support from Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and funding from the Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ).
The meeting, held at Fort Breeze Hotel on Thursday in Fort Portal, brought together trainers, youth representatives, and project staff to review progress, discuss implementation challenges, and identify ways to strengthen support for beneficiaries.
The Skill Up! project is currently supporting 300 vulnerable youths across Bunyangabu, Kyenjojo, and Fort Portal. The beneficiaries include 180 unskilled NEET youths — those not in education, employment, or training — and 120 skilled youths upgrading their competencies in various vocational trades.
Beyond technical training, the project also provides entrepreneurship education, life skills development, psychosocial support, Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) engagement, and post-training mentorship aimed at enabling participants to build sustainable livelihoods.
Several beneficiaries shared testimonies on how the initiative has changed their lives.
David Kato, who recently completed training in videography and photography, said the program had given him a new sense of direction.
“I have gained practical skills that can help me earn a living. Before joining the project, I had little hope about my future, but now I feel confident and ready to work,” he said.
He added that the training also improved his communication, teamwork, discipline, and self-esteem.
Trainers emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure continued support for youth after graduation from the program.
“We need stronger collaboration with different stakeholders and offices so that these young people can continue receiving support after training. Skills alone are not enough without mentorship and opportunities,” said trainer Hamilton John.
Skill Up! Field Project Officer Phionah Karungi commended trainers, youth representatives, partners, and stakeholders for their continued commitment to youth empowerment.
“We appreciate all trainers, youth representatives, partners, and stakeholders who continue to walk this journey with us. Your commitment is helping shape a generation of skilled, resilient, and self-reliant young people,” she said.
She noted that sustained investment in vocational training and mentorship remains key to addressing youth unemployment and vulnerability in the region.
“If we are to tackle youth unemployment and vulnerability sustainably, we must continue investing in practical skills, mentorship, and opportunities that empower young people to thrive,” she added.
The Skill Up! initiative, implemented by JESE in collaboration with WHH and supported by German development cooperation, targets vulnerable youths aged 18 to 31 years.
Participants are trained in carpentry and joinery, motorcycle mechanics, welding, plumbing, domestic electrical installation, tailoring, hairdressing, baking, agriculture, videography, and photography.
According to project coordinators, two training phases have already been completed in each district, benefiting a total of 130 young people.
The training is conducted in partnership with the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board under the Ministry of Education and Sports.
After completion, participants undergo assessment, and successful candidates receive Workers PAS (Practically Acquired Skills) certificates to support further skills development and employability.