Skilling up the young in primary: A call to action

As the nation braces for a new curriculum, local leaders in Mayuge District are advocating for a radical shift in primary education.

They believe that equipping pupils with practical skills from an early age is the key to addressing the pressing issues of school dropouts and youth unemployment.

The district is grappling with a growing number of young people who leave school without qualifications and struggle to find employment. Local leaders argue that integrating vocational training into the primary curriculum can provide a lifeline for these young people.

“Training our youth as job seekers is a threat to the next generation,” asserts Hamisi Magumba, Chairperson of Mpungwe Sub County. He emphasizes the need to cultivate a mindset of self-reliance and entrepreneurship among young people.

Salaama Womweteire the youth Councillor Mayuge district, suggests a practical solution: replacing art and craft periods, which were recently banned, with skilling sessions.

She believes this could be a productive use of time and offer pupils valuable life skills.

Womweteire also asked the government to raise the number of students enrolled from each district in the regional Skilling hubs from the twelve to at least fifty to upscale the number of beneficiaries in the shortest time possible.

The challenge of reintegrating young parents into formal skilling programs is also a major concern.

Bishop Elukan Ekoro, an implementing partner in skills development, highlights the difficulties of motivating young people, especially those who have already experienced setbacks.

“Recalling them has proved futile, even when the training is free,” he says.

The call for skilling in primary education is gaining momentum in Mayuge District as local leaders seek to address the root causes of youth unemployment.

By providing young people with practical skills, they hope to create a more resilient and self-sufficient generation.

As the government prepares to roll out the new curriculum, there is an opportunity to incorporate these valuable insights. By prioritizing skilling in primary education, Uganda can take a significant step towards empowering its youth and building a stronger future.