Uganda: Vocational Training and Tailoring Shop Program
Dr. Martina Fuchs Visits and New Trainees Enrolled: Q2 2017
July 30, 2017
Alphonse Mwanamwolho and Naku Charles Lwanga
Summary of Activities
Since RMF took on the management of Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute (PVTI) in 2011, over 650 trainees have graduated and are actively employed, either running their own businesses or working for someone else. Most of our graduates are refugees, and they are taking advantage of the Ugandan government’s “free employment policy,” which allows refugees to secure employment and move to other locations where their services are needed. Many PVTI graduates testify that this training has changed their lives from being dependent to being independent.
Trainees
During the reporting period, 70 students completed their training, were examined by the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT), and graduated successfully. A new class of 75 trainees has been enrolled and started training.

Results &
ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Carpentry and Joinery
New Trainees
A total of 13 male trainees were accepted for training in Carpentry and Joinery (CJ). There were no female applicants for the department during this intake. At the end of the three-month training, graduates are expected to observe all safety and health requirements in their workshops, use and care for timber, maintain and repair measuring and marking tools, etc. Trainees will be able to make furniture, such as stools, coffee tables, and chairs.

Bricklaying and Concrete Practice
Three-Month Training
A total of 14 male trainees were accepted for training in Bricklaying and Concrete Practice (BCP). There were no female applicants for the department during this intake. After completing the three-month training, graduates are expected to be able to handle construction tools and read sketches at any construction site. The modules covered include tools and equipment, bonding in walls, header bonds, stretcher bonds, and mortar.

Tailoring and Garment Cutting
Learning Through Theory and Practical Lessons
A total of 28 trainees (27 female and 1 male) were accepted for training in Tailoring and Garment Cutting (TGC). Students learn through theory and practical lessons. The tailoring department has grown, and students are able to produce good outfits. We anticipate that the department will continue to expand.

Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy
Twenty New Trainees
A total of 20 female trainees were accepted for training in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy (HBT). There were no male trainees enrolled in the department during this intake. At the end of the three-month training period, graduates are expected to observe all the safety and health requirements within their working premises, demonstrate hospitality to customers, and use tools appropriately. Graduates will be conversant in hairstyling, weaving, braiding, and hair cutting.

Visit from Dr. Martina Fuchs
Inauguration of New Buildings
During her annual visit to Uganda, RMF Founder and CEO Dr. Martina Fuchs visited Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute (PVTI) to see the school’s progress and challenges, inaugurate the new salon classroom block, and speak with administrators, instructors, and students alike.
During her visit, Dr. Martina Fuchs inaugurated the new Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy classroom block, which was constructed by PVTI’s trainees. Bricklaying and Concrete Practice trainees constructed the walls, while Carpentry and Joinery trainees did the roofing. This classroom block has a training wing, a room to train students on giving massages, and a storeroom.

Celebrating Special Events
World Refugee Day/Candlelight Memorial Day
The theme of World Refugee Day was “Stand with Refugees,” and in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, the celebration was held at the reception grounds. Keynote speakers shared their experience, advocated for peace in war-torn areas, and encouraged love and respect among people so the whole world understands that it is not honorable to fight when the most affected people are women and children.
Candlelight Memorial Day is celebrated in Uganda on May 17th to remember those that have died as a result of HIV and AIDS. This year’s celebration was held in Kiryandongo, and since Real Medicine Foundation is implementing health care on behalf of UNHCR and the government of Uganda in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, this was a good opportunity for RMF to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and available services, while providing additional counseling and testing.

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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