Youth in Adjumani, including both nationals and refugees, have been urged to take advantage of existing government and development partner programs that promote skills acquisition through technical and vocational institutions to become self-reliant and employable.
Adjumani Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Swaib Toko made the call on Thursday during the graduation ceremony of 43 youths at the government-owned Amelo Technical Institute in Pakele Sub-county, Adjumani District. The graduates completed a three-month training in various technical and vocational disciplines.
“Government jobs are not enough for everyone. It is vital that you acquire marketable skills that make you employable and self-reliant,” RDC Toko said.
He further encouraged the graduates to become role models in their communities.
“What you have learned should make you change agents in your communities. Continue to upgrade your qualifications and pursue additional courses to remain relevant in today’s job market,” he added.
The RDC commended implementing partners for supporting youth empowerment and equipping graduates with start-up kits to help them establish small-scale enterprises.
Dr. Bernard Akol, Principal of Amelo Technical Institute, applauded the graduates for successfully completing their training, noting that they were now ready to apply their skills in the job market.
“You have been assessed by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program and found competent. You can now go out and put your skills into use to improve your livelihoods,” Dr. Akol said.
He added that each graduate would receive a certificate of competence as proof of their readiness for employment and self-employment.
According to Amos Okongo Okollo, Project Manager at World Vision Uganda, the organization supported 40 of the graduates, including four persons with disabilities, under the Adjumani Child Protection, Livelihoods and Environment Project (ACLEP). All the beneficiaries received start-up tools to help them establish income-generating activities.
Okongo noted that between 2023 and 2025, the initiative has trained and graduated 146 youths in trades such as tailoring, welding, baking, construction, hairdressing, carpentry, automobile mechanics, and electrical installation.
“In 2025 alone, 40 trainees, including four persons with disabilities, have successfully completed their courses. Each graduate will receive a start-up kit to help them begin income-generating activities or access the job market,” Okongo said.
“This program promotes inclusiveness and equal opportunity, enabling both nationals and refugees — including persons with disabilities — to become self-reliant,” he added.
Korina Iwakudra, Adjumani District Secretary for Production and Natural Resources, advised the graduates to make productive use of their newly acquired skills.
“You now have practical skills that can change your lives. Please do not sell the tools given to you — use them to start small businesses and become examples of hard work in your communities,” she said.
One of the graduates, Jackline Opinia, who trained in hairdressing and salon management, expressed optimism about her future.
“I am confident that the skills I have acquired will change my life. I plan to open my own salon and later upgrade by pursuing advanced courses in beauty and cosmetology,” she said.
District leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting vulnerable children, youth, and families in Adjumani through education, livelihood empowerment, and environmental protection programs.