8,000 teenage mothers to be equipped with vocational skills
LIRA, September 19, 2025 — The National Women’s Council [NWC] has launched a nationwide initiative aimed at equipping a total of 8,000 teenage mothers and school dropouts with vocational skills, in a bid to empower vulnerable young women across Uganda.
The programme targets girls who are unable to return to school, including those living in refugee camps and host communities. It is designed to provide practical skills and support to help them build sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking at the recent graduation ceremony for 105 girls trained in tailoring and hairdressing at Arova Reality Training Centre in Lira City, Emily Akullo Omacara, Programme Manager at NWC and Special Interest Group Secretary in Gender ministry, emphasised the importance of economic empowerment for young mothers.
“This programme is not only about skills – it’s about restoring dignity, hope, and economic independence to girls who have been left behind,” said Omacara.
“We’re also promoting unity between refugee and host communities. Both groups can thrive when given equal opportunities and support.”
In addition to tailoring and hairdressing, the programme includes vocational training in carpentry, welding, and business skills, particularly targeting youth in high-risk and underserved areas.
Omacara noted that the Council is working to expand its reach despite funding limitations.
“This year, our capacity is to empower 8,000 youth with skills. But because government funding is limited, partners like UN Women, and Japan International Cooperation Agency [JICA] are supporting us to meet our targets,” she said.
She also announced that the 105 recent graduands would receive start-up kits, including sewing machines and salon equipment. Each graduate will be supported with two months’ rent to help establish small businesses in nearby trading centres.
“We shall rent spaces for them, especially near trading centres, so they can start their businesses. It’s all part of a bigger vision to make these young women self-reliant and economically active,” Omacara added.
Among the graduates was Topista Amule, who dropped out of school in Primary Seven in 2019. She shared her journey and how the training has given her renewed hope.
“Life has been very difficult without an income. I used to depend entirely on my parents,” she said. “Now that I have tailoring skills, I believe I can stand on my own and take care of myself.”
Jennifer Alaba, another beneficiary, expressed gratitude to the training centre for transforming their lives.
“We no longer need to beg. With these skills, we can take care of our children and meet our own needs,” she said.
The NWC hopes that by equipping thousands of girls with vocational skills, the cycle of poverty and dependency can be broken, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
https://thecooperator.news/500-teenagers-graduate-in-computer-training-in-masindi/
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