Uganda: Vocational Training and Tailoring Shop Program

Training Progress and Registration for DIT Exams: Q3 2017

December 14, 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.

During the reporting period, 102 students continued with their training and were registered for the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) exams due to take place in late November or early December 2017.

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Results &

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bricklaying and Concrete Practice

Key Building Skills Obtained

During the reporting period, 18 trainees were enrolled for training in Bricklaying and Concrete Practice (BCP), including 1 female trainee. The syllabus has been followed, and trainees are now conversant with key building skills. They are knowledgeable about the common bonds that are used in construction, e.g. the English bond, stretcher bond, and Flemish bond. Training is both practical and theoretical to ensure that graduates understand and apply standard building practices in their work.

Arrangements are underway to send students for training internships at different construction sites. JICA (a partner that contributed training materials) is pleased with training progress

Carpentry

Carpentry and Joinery

Trainees Produce Household Items

During the reporting period, 17 trainees were enrolled for training in Carpentry and Joinery. The training is continuing according to the syllabus, and the trainees are now conversant with key joints used in carpentry and joinery. They are being well prepared for the DIT exams. Trainees have started producing items such as stools, beds, tables, and benches.

Hairdressing

Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy

Clients Support the Program

During the reporting period, 32 trainees were admitted for training in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, including 2 male trainees. The class is steadily following the syllabus so that trainees will be able to face the DIT exams with confidence. Trainees have learned the art of hair treatment, shaving, and plaiting different fashions.

At some stage during training, each student is expected to bring a client from whom she learned a design, and the client must pay so as to support the training program.

Florence Mirembe is our new staff member, recruited to boost the Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy Department.

Tailoring and Garment Cutting

Skills Progressing

During the reporting period, 35 trainees were accepted for training in Tailoring and Garment Cutting, including 2 male trainees. Training has followed the syllabus, and trainees’ skills have progressed. They are now able to make a pair of shorts, a shirt, and a skirt. Trainees will be well prepared to face the DIT exams forthcoming in late November or early December 2017.

JICA Collaboration

RMF-JICA Collaboration

Renewed Support

When the program hosted a high-level delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) during the second quarter of 2017, JICA Senior Vice President Hiroshi Kato promised to renew JICA’s support of RMF’s Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute. Accordingly, during the third quarter, JICA provided the following support for the training:

  • Uniforms for the trainees and additional training materials
  • Funding for the salary of one vocational program coordinator
  • Office supplies and equipment, including stationery, a laptop, and printer cartridges

Support from JICA enabled RMF to increase our last intake of the year from 75 trainees to 102.

Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) Exams

Trainees are Registered and Prepared

102 trainees have continued with their course of study at PVTI and are registered for the Directorate of Industrial Training exams due to take place in late November or early December 2017.

The distribution of the candidates is as follows:

  • 17 trainees in Carpentry and Joinery (CJ)
  • 18 trainees in Bricklaying and Concrete Practice (BCP)
  • 32 trainees in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy (HBT)
  • 35 trainees in Tailoring and Garment Cutting (TGC)
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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.
Real Medicine Foundation - more photos.
Real Medicine Foundation - more photos.
Real Medicine Foundation - more photos.
Real Medicine Foundation - more photos.
Real Medicine Foundation - more photos.
Real Medicine Foundation - more photos.
Real Medicine Foundation - more photos.
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Numbers

Served

115 candidates selected for the PVTI programs with 102 trainees having continued their course of study.

About 30% of the students at Panyadoli Vocational Training Institute (PVTI) are Ugandan nationals from the host community. Thus, members of host community have also been able to gain skills which have empowered them to improve their livelihoods, hence contributing to the wellbeing and GDP of the country.