Uganda: Vocational Training and Tailoring Shop Program

87 New Trainees Accepted: Q2 2018

August 15, 2018

Naku Charles Lwanga

Summary of Activities

Students continued their studies at Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute (PVTI), 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. We continue to provide financial support and guidance for the four departments at PVTI. During this reporting period, the following accomplishments were achieved:

  • Students continued their studies, training in one of the school’s four departments.
  • Training sessions were effectively conducted and stayed on schedule.
  • Instructors’ salaries were paid in a timely manner, which enables PVTI to maintain a highly motivated team.
  • The cleanliness of the school’s premises was maintained by ensuring that the compound lawn was mown and the training workshop and office kept clean.
  • Follow-up visits were conducted for former trainees. In this way, the vocational training team was able to provide them with technical support on how to improve their businesses.
  • 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.
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Results &

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

PVTI Applications Received

87 New Trainees Accepted

  • On April 9, 2018, PVTI ran an advertisement to promote the application to our vocational training programs. Out of 356 applications received, 133 eligible candidates were shortlisted for interviews. After the interview process, 87 trainees were accepted.
  • On May 21, 2018, the orientation of the new trainees was headed by the PVTI Principal and assisted by the instructors.

Guild Representative Elections

Promoting Democracy

On June 1, 2018, PVTI conducted trainee Guild Representative elections to promote the concept of democracy. Prior to the elections, the trainees decided on the positions that they considered vital to the institutions. This activity added excitement to the training process, as candidates were eager to win over the electorate.

 

Improving Communities

Students Continue Their Studies

Students continued their studies at Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute (PVTI), 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.

Refugee communities and host communities have been improved through access to the vocational training program, school support, and health services.

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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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Real Medicine Foundation - more photos.
Real Medicine Foundation - more photos.
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Real Medicine Foundation - more photos.
Real Medicine Foundation - more photos.
Real Medicine Foundation - more photos.
Real Medicine Foundation - more photos.
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Success

Stories

Paride Anur and Samuel Odongo

2017 PVTI Graduates

Paride Anur and Samuel Odongo are two friends who graduated from the Bricklaying and Concrete Practice (BCP) program last December, without startup kits. Paride and Samuel have worked hard to find work within the community.

They were hired by UNHCR to build toilets for Persons with Special Needs (PSNs) in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement; as a result, they can add toilet-building to their vocational skills. During an interview, Paride said he used his salary from the toilet building project to buy tools like building squares and plumb bobs. He also used part of the money to take care of his family.

Paul Ivan Odongo

2017 PVTI Graduate

Paul Ivan Odongo graduated with a certificate in Bricklaying and Concrete Practice (BCP) in 2017. He worked hard to find contracts that could generate enough income to earn him a living. Last year, Odongo participated in construction in Bidibidi, and he is currently building within the settlement.

Odongo is a very committed former trainee who accepts all forms of employment, not just building contracts, which shows his strong work ethic. He expressed appreciation to RMF for imparting him with useful skills.