EU, Belgian agency boost vocational skills for refugees in West Nile

More than 5,000 youth from refugee communities in Uganda's West Nile Region have completed vocational training aimed at enhancing self-employment opportunities and increasing household incomes.

Sponsored by the European Union and implemented by Enabel, a Belgian development agency, the training included a wide range of skills such as motorcycle repair, tailoring, and metal welding.

During the graduation ceremony, Simon Edeku, the Principal Officer for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the Ministry of Education and Sports, emphasized the importance of changing mindsets and creating an environment where refugees can acquire skills that benefit both themselves and the broader community.

"For us to move forward, we must focus on inclusive development and a shift in how we view and approach green job opportunities," he said.

Charles Okot, the project coordinator, elaborated on the scope of the initiative, which aimed to provide refugees with the technical expertise needed to secure employment or start their own businesses.

"Our goal was to equip refugees with practical skills that would enable them to create a livelihood for themselves and contribute positively to their communities," he said.

Beneficiaries like Alice Kolongwa and Johnson Wani shared the challenges they still face after acquiring these skills.

Kolongwa, trained in tailoring, struggles with inadequate capital for purchasing materials and tools.

"I have the skills, but without the resources to buy the necessary inputs, it is difficult to start a business or even to provide services effectively," she said.

Similarly, Wani, trained in motorcycle repair, noted the lack of sufficient toolkits and a limited market for his services.

"We need more support in terms of equipment and access to customers who need our services. Without these, it is hard to sustain a business," he said.

These concerns highlight the broader issues faced by refugees in the labour market, necessitating further support.

While the skilling program has laid a foundation for economic empowerment, ongoing support from both the government and private sector is crucial to address these gaps.

Officials called for more opportunities to ensure these initiatives lead to sustainable outcomes, urging the government, international partners, and the private sector to expand access to resources, provide financial support for startups, and create market linkages for refugee entrepreneurs.

This comprehensive approach is essential for translating vocational training into viable career paths for refugees, addressing unemployment, and fostering a more inclusive economy.

The West Nile region is home to over 500,000 refugees from South Sudan, living in various settlements across the districts of Adjumani, Arua, Koboko, and Yumbe.

By embracing inclusive development and addressing the practical challenges faced by refugees, Uganda can pave the way for sustainable solutions that benefit both refugees and the broader community.