Uganda: Vocational Training and Tailoring Shop Program
79 New Students Enrolled: Q4 2016
January 28, 2017
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). During this reporting period:
- 79 new students were admitted for this intake.
- The process of admitting new students was initiated through advertising the opportunity in the community. This led many prospective students to apply to PVTI.
- Many prospective students applied, but only 79 were accepted, as PVTI’s financial support is not enough to support all applicants.
- All students went through PVTI’s interview process, and the selection criteria were based upon passing the interview. All partners implementing activities in the settlement were invited, but only the OPM, UNHCR, Kiryandongo District Local Government, Community Leaders RWCIII, RMF’s coordinator, and PVTI instructors attended the interviews.
- 121 applicants were interviewed, and only 79 managed to pass interviews.
- All materials were provided for the third intake and students continued with daily programs.

Results &
ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Program Performance
Attendance Progress
A total number of 79 trainees were enrolled for this 12th intake, and from the observed attendance trend captured through daily roll calls, the current enrollment is 77. This indicates the dropout of two trainees during almost two months of training. It was also observed that this period of training was interrupted by social events within the community, which involved the monthly general food distribution in the settlement.

Extra Activities
Students Help Care for School
As Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute (PVTI) opened again for classes, students were involved in maintaining the general cleanliness of the school compound and classrooms. Students are at center stage when it comes to making sure that PVTI stays in good condition and is clean and ready to undertake operations. This is done in line with the management of PVTI and student leadership, and students are well organized to support the cleanliness of the school.

Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy (HBT)
70% of Modules Complete
The department is fully equipped with hairdressing equipment, steamers, and all other accessories and materials required to implement the program. Throughout the semester, trainees have been exposed to both theoretical and practical lessons as a basis for their vocational training, and so far, 70% of the modules have been covered. The general attendance of the trainees has been good, with minimal recorded absenteeism during food distribution days (a program held to distribute food in the settlement).

Bricklaying and Concrete Practice (BCP)
Practical Training
The trainees still carry out their training in the temporary shelter that was constructed with support from JICA. The department has all the required training materials: sand mixed with lime in the mortar, bricks, and tools. The training is composed of theoretical and practical lessons. Currently, the department is handling all the modules that require the construction of different types of walls and bonding. This training exposes students to the construction world, where they will be able to get jobs.

Carpentry and Joinery (CJ)
Female Student Enrolls
The department currently has a total of 15 trainees. It was an achievement to enroll a female student in the CJ department, which has typically been all-male. As in Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute’s other departments, the CJ department also experienced a setback, as trainees’ numbers reduced from 15 to 12. Our female trainee still remains, however, which shows a lot of resilience and confidence in fighting the forces of culture that could have made her drop out of the course, which many traditionally believe to be only for men.

Tailoring and Garment Cutting (TGC)
Students Complete Various Garments
Training has progressed, and currently the trainees are covering three modules: Safety, Tools, and Equipment; Machine Operations; and Garment Construction. Visible outputs of the trainees include a free wear and elastic pajama shorts, a free wear shirt, and a fish style skirt. The TGC class saw 9 students drop out, most of whom went back to secondary school. However, the Tailoring and Garment Cutting department continues to be one of our most popular courses for both refugees and nationals.

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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