Uganda: Vocational Training and Tailoring Shop Program

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 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 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.

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)