Uganda: Vocational Training and Tailoring Shop Program

67 Trainees Take DIT Exams: Q3 2018

November 17, 2018

Naku Charles Lwanga

Summary of Activities
  • We continue to provide financial support and guidance for the four departments at RMF’s Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute (PVTI).
  • Students continued their studies at Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute (PVTI), completing their training in one of the school’s four departments: Bricklaying and Concrete Practice, Carpentry and Joinery, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, or Tailoring and Garment Cutting.
  • Sustained the education of new trainees by offering classes continuously throughout the reporting period and ensuring that trainers were available and accessible to trainees.
  • 67 of these students took the DIT exams on September 12, 2018, earning certificates that will facilitate further studies and/or employment at reputable businesses.
  • RMF/WCF has financially sustained Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute (PVTI) and the operation of its four departments.
  • The vocational training program has helped enhance the peaceful coexistence of refugee and host communities because the training is available to the host community as well.
  • Staff salaries were paid in a timely manner, which enables PVTI to maintain a highly motivated team.
  • Both theory and practical trainings were carried out successfully; i.e., the syllabi were all completed before the final DIT exams.
  • The premises of PVTI were maintained through routine mowing, trimming, and sweeping, thus sustaining a clean environment conductive for learning.
  • The team conducted follow-up visits to PVTI graduates to see them in their working situations and listen to their joys and sorrows.
  • • PVTI successfully held a graduation ceremony on September 19, 2018.
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Results &

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Preparing for Exams

Thorough Reviews Held

During August, the primary goal in all departments was to thoroughly review all materials and focus on fundamental skills in preparation for the DIT examination and graduation. For example, the TGC trainees completed 6-piece skirts, basic shirts, and round skirts, the HDBT trainees reviewed practical lessons in the use of electrical equipment, and the BCP and CJ trainees reviewed the practical lessons most relevant to the DIT examination.

Trainees Register for DIT Exams

67 Certificates Earned

Out of 87 trainees enrolled in the May–September intake, 67 registered for the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) examinations. These 67 students took the DIT exams on September 12, 2018, earning certificates that will facilitate further studies and/or employment at reputable businesses. Both theory and practical trainings were carried out successfully; i.e., the syllabi were all completed before the final DIT exams.

 

PVTI Graduation

Ceremony Held September 19

PVTI successfully held a graduation ceremony on September 19, 2018. Attendees included representatives from Kiryandongo Settlement Implementing Partners, Bweyale Town Council, and Kiryandongo District Local Government. During the ceremony, speeches were made, the trainees entertained the guests, and certificates were awarded. Guests also received a tour of the graduation exhibition which featured finished products made by the graduates.

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Background

& Objectives

Background

In April 2011, RMF initiated the Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute (PVTI) at the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement after being presented by the refugee community with issues surrounding the lack of skills and vocational training for students graduating from the settlement high school.
After researching which skills would provide the quickest earning opportunities and the most efficient economic investment requirements for RMF, we narrowed the programs down to:

  • Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy
  • Bricklaying and Concrete Practice
  • Carpentry and Joinery
  • Tailoring and Garment Cutting

Objectives

  • To train the refugees with relevant vocational training skills
  • To prepare the refugees for the work world with entrepreneurial skills for both employment and self-employment
  • To prepare refugees with basic skills that they shall use for nation building when returning to their home country
  • To foster a cycle of improved economic stability and opportunity in the region
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More

Photos

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Success

Stories

Stanley Sentamu

PVTI 2017 Graduate

Stanley Sentamu graduated from the Carpentry and Joinery department at Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute in December 2017. He operates from Molokonyi Trading Center in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, where he rents a space. He said that he takes great pride and happiness in the vocational skills with which RMF has equipped him since they have enabled him to become self-reliant and financially stable as well as support his family.

At present, Stanley works in roofing with his colleague who is an engineer. He has a workshop at home where he makes tables, chairs, and beds which he sells. This has encouraged him to venture into other projects, especially a pig farm project on which he is currently working.

Scovia Achola

PVTI 2017 Graduate

Scovia Achola graduated from the Tailoring and Garment Cutting department at Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute in December 2017. She operates from Bweyale market, where she rents a sewing machine. Scovia said that as a result of her vocational training she is able to support her family and pay rent for the machine she uses.

She feels so blessed to have the skills, and she appreciates RMF for training her and enabling her to support herself. With the money she is getting from making and selling clothes, she is now able to buy food for her family, and she is also participating in local saving group in order to save up for her own sewing machine.

Kayeng Sinai

2016 PVTI Graduate

Kayeng Sinai graduated from the Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy department at Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute in 2016 and currently works in a friend’s salon. She is grateful for the skills that she acquired at PVTI as well as to her instructors for their efforts and to RMF for supporting her training.

As a result of her vocational skills, she is able to buy food and other personal items that have improved her quality of life. She is also saving money to open her own salon, where she plans to employ her friends.

Abel Waiswa

PVTI Graduate

Abel Waiswa graduated from the Bricklaying and Concrete Practice department at Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute. He takes great pride in the skills he acquired through the program. He said that he has been getting building contracts both in and out of the settlement, which have enabled him to save money, buy building tools, and care for his family.