Tackling unemployment with vocational skills

A greater part of Uganda’s current population is composed of young people under the age of 30 (70%). However, statistics from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics show that majority of these youth still face unemployment. The COVID-19 pandemic did not make things any better. As economies worldwide grapple with the fallout of economic downturns, experts recommend that investing in vocational training will be one of the surest ways of addressing the youth unemployment crisis.

It is against this background that ChildFund Uganda in its youth programming model, emphasizes the aspect of skilling youth to include them into the money economy.

In the latest endeavor, ChildFund Uganda together with our local partner, Kampala Area Federation of Communities (KAFOC) witnessed the graduation of 14 of its youth that undertook a six-month vocational skills training at the Management Training and Advisory Centre.

Some of the youth have since joined the world of work while others hope to start their own businesses. They obtained skills in cookery and bakery and cosmetology and hairdressing.

“I am already employed in a hotel in Luwero district. However, I look forward to opening my own restaurant and conducting more research in the cookery and bakery industry,” said Dillan, who graduated with a certificate in cookery and bakery.

Catherine, who also obtained a certificate in Cookery and Bakery, plans to enroll for further studies, specializing in pastries. “I am optimistic that in the next five years, I will be recognized as one of the top chefs in Uganda.”

Maureen on the other hand already works at a saloon within her community having obtained a certificate in cosmetology and hairdressing. She currently saves every coin she earns because she wants to start her own business in the future.

In the last financial year, ChildFund Uganda collaborated with 8 of its implementing partners in the program areas of Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, Busia, Soroti, Lango, Masindi, and Kiboga to equip youth with a range of vocational skills.

Notably, a total of 3,076 out-of-school youth underwent career guidance and counselling to help them make informed choices regarding non-exploitative work. Among them, 741 youth who displayed a keen interest in vocational skills received training in areas such as carpentry, metal fabrication, apiary, hairdressing, cosmetology, catering, bricklaying, concrete practice, motor vehicle mechanics, and driving.

This training utilized the artisan and institutional youth skilling models. The youth apprentices underwent assessment based on the Directorate of Industrial Training curriculum before being equipped with startup tools.

Vocational skills training offer tangible benefits that transcend academic pathways. By providing hands-on learning experiences tailored to specific industries, vocational programs equip young people with practical competencies highly sought after by employers. These skills also empower them to pursue entrepreneurial businesses that adapt to evolving job markets.

It is also proven that vocational education fosters a sense of purpose and self-confidence among youth, thus instilling a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence.