Over 400 vulnerable youth in Adjumani district embrace skills training for a brighter future
ADJUMANI, April 18, 2025 – In a major step towards youth empowerment, over 400 vulnerable young people in Pakele Town Council, Adjumani district, have enrolled in a transformative skills training programme under the Youth and Adolescent Project [YARP]. Implemented by Rural Women for Healthy Food and Economic Development, the initiative is reshaping the lives of school dropouts and youths formerly affected by drug abuse and criminal activities.
The YARP programme, funded by the MasterCard Foundation through the Children’s Rights and Violence Prevention Fund [CRVPF], is being delivered by a consortium of three partners: Voice of Humanity, Response for Social Development, and Rural Women for Healthy Food and Economic Development. The four-year initiative is being rolled out in Boroli and Ayilo refugee settlements, as well as in Pakele Town Council.
Participants are receiving hands-on training in a wide range of vocational skills, including carpentry, building and construction, welding, tailoring, hairdressing, arts and crafts, information communication technology [ICT], and hotel and catering services. These trades are not only providing the youth with economic empowerment but also fostering personal growth and strengthening community resilience.
Among the trainees is Baru Willison, a Primary Seven dropout and orphan, who is now training in building construction. Grateful for the opportunity, Baru shared:
“After my parents passed away, I dropped out of school because life became too difficult. My neighbours encouraged me not to lose hope. Now, after this training, I can earn a living.”
Similarly, Harriet Iracha, currently training in hairdressing, described the programme as “the greatest gift” of her life.
“Even if no one gives me handouts, the knowledge and skills I have gained will help me live a decent life,” she said.
Scovia Dikua, another beneficiary undergoing tailoring training, has already begun earning an income and supporting her family:
“Even before completing the training, I’ve been able to pay school fees for my children,” she proudly noted.
For John Bosco, a former boda boda rider and Senior Four dropout, the transition to metal fabrication has been both fulfilling and financially rewarding.
“This work gives me more satisfaction and better returns than what I used to do,” he shared.
According to Margarete Masudio, Executive Director of Rural Women for Healthy Food and Economic Development, the first cohort has enrolled 429 youths. She explained that the programme aims to reach 6,000 vulnerable youths, with a focus on 70 percent female and 30 percent male participants, ensuring equal representation of both nationals and refugees.
“This initiative addresses not only unemployment but also mental health challenges among youths,” said Masudio, noting that 30 percent of participants have mental health conditions, including 10 known drug addicts. “We aim to help them regain purpose.”
Rose Limio Lilly, the organisation’s Board Chairperson, highlighted the wider impact of the programme:
“Many of these youths have turned their lives around. As they gain skills, they are also becoming contributors to their households and the economy. This is a ripple effect of hope and positive change.”
Notably, the programme plans to provide start-up capital to participants upon graduation, offering them the financial boost needed to establish their own businesses.
This youth skilling initiative is in line with the Ugandan government’s broader strategy to equip young people with practical, market-relevant skills that foster employment, self-reliance, and national development. The resilience and determination shown by the trainees stand as a testament to the transformative potential of such programmes, providing a beacon of hope to countless others still in need.
https://thecooperator.news/youth-advised-utilise-online-platforms-to-boost-their-knowledge/
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