Don Bosco VTC Palabek Breaks Ground on Major Expansion Project to Empower Youth

PALABEK, UGANDA — On Friday, June 19, 2026, the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center (VTC) in Palabek held a groundbreaking ceremony to officially launch an ambitious new construction project.

The expansion features the development of a new Administration Building, a Welding and BCP (Building Construction Practical) Workshop, and a dedicated Girls’ Dormitory and Dining Hall.

The ceremony celebrated the creation of much-needed infrastructure, but speakers emphasized that the true purpose of the project is the empowerment of East African youth.

Speaking on behalf of the Director of the Planning and Development Office, Mr. Dusabimana Felicien, the PDO Coordinator  highlighted the deeper meaning of the new facilities.

“Today we are not simply inaugurating the construction project, but we are laying the foundation of a brighter future of East African student,” Mr. Dusabimana stated. “This initiative personifies our shared vision to provide young women with a safe home, a space to acquire practical skills and environmental where education and dignity flourish. It is a tangible expression of our commitment to empower youth, especially girls to become agent of change in their communities” He added.

Brother Hubert Twagirayezu, Director of the Don Bosco Palabek VTC, detailed how the new facilities will revolutionize the campus layout and significantly increase the center’s capacity to enroll new learners. Following the advice of the regional superior, the new Girls’ Hostel will be strategically relocated near the teacher quarters to ensure a safe, separate environment.

“You will have everything it will be like a home,” Brother Hubert promised the students. “You have a dining, you have a Dining hall, a dormitory, you have whatever you may need, the kitchen, the store, everything is there” He explained.

Because of this relocation, the space formerly occupied by the girls will be transformed into a large VTC store, while the old store will be converted into a new theoretical classroom. Additionally, the new Administration Building will centralize student services, freeing up even more space for classrooms and hands-on learning environments.

Brother Hubert emphasized the broader impact of the day’s events. “This development are more than just bricks,” he declared. “They present unwarying commitment to empowering the youth of Palabek and the surrounding area with high quality professional training that will shape their future for year to come. Our goal is to equip young people with the technical, social, and life skills necessary to become independent, productive members of the their communities, thereby strengthening the local economy and creating hope for a better tomorrow”.

This major campus overhaul was made possible through the robust support of international and local partners. Don Bosco Swiss—the primary donor that historically funds nearly 90% of the VTC’s operations—agreed to finance the entire construction project after reviewing the proposals and visiting the site in January.

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Brother Hubert expressed deep gratitude to Don Bosco Swiss representatives, Mr. Marcus and Marian, “whose advocacy and support have been instrumental in bringing this project to life”.

The event also highlighted the crucial collaboration of the Ugandan government and local authorities. Thanks were extended to the Lamwo district leadership and the Office of the Prime Minister, whose support was vital in establishing the institution on Palabek land. Additionally, the PDO officers from the provincial house in Kigali and the wider Salesian community across Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda were recognized for their ongoing guidance.

As the foundation stones were laid, the ceremony stood as a powerful testament to collective effort.

As the PDO representative beautifully summarized: “This foundation stone is more than assemble of infrastructures. It represent a unit, collaboration and hope. It remind us that when government faith organization and the partners join hand, we can create structure that nature lives, strengthen communities and open door to opportunity… Let this foundation stone stand as a testament to our shared division. A society where no young women is left behind”.