By Martin Okudi
In a transformative initiative, 355 youth from both nationals and refugees in the Adjumani and Kiryandongo districts have successfully acquired vocational skills, providing them with practical expertise and a pathway to self-employment.
Officials from the Office of the Prime Minister affirmed that this endeavour not only fosters self-sufficiency but also enhances the well-being of host communities.
The training, spanning seven months, covered diverse skills including catering and bakery, welding, hairdressing, motorcycle repair, electrical, and electronics.
The beneficiaries, aged between 15-35 years, consist of 50% males and 50% females, with 70% being refugees and 30% nationals.
Notably, individuals with disabilities were prioritized during the selection of trainees.
Wani James, a graduate in metal fabrication, expressed profound gratitude, saying,
"With metal fabrication skills, my life will not be the same again."
Officials from the Office of the Prime Minister underscored the importance of skilling refugee youth, citing reductions in food rations and cash grants from the United Nations World Food Programme due to global refugee crises.
"Skilling the refugee youth is vital, especially as food rations and cash grants have decreased. Graduates must put what they learned at the forefront," emphasized Emmanuel Turyagenda, Refugee Desk Officer.
Addressing the labour market needs in Adjumani and Kiryandongo districts, Andrew Emmanuel Omara, Executive Director at Windle International, stated,
"We aim to strengthen accessibility, quality, relevance, and equity of vocational skills training for marginalized youth and young women."
Young graduates were commended for their resilience by Omara, who added,
"Young men and women graduating today, your resilience has paid off. Education is a protection tool."
Christopher Ahabwe, Regional Coordinator at Windle International, emphasized the transformative role of education, stating,
"Education is a protection tool, and if you look at what is happening..."
Leaders in refugee hosting districts anticipate that the beneficiaries will convert their acquired skills into meaningful self-employment through enterprise development and formal employment, further contributing to the economic growth and resilience of the communities.
