Empowering the Future: Solar Drying Training at DON BOSCO Vocational Training Center, Palabek Refugee Settlement

Palabek, March 14, 2023 – In a remarkable initiative to enhance agricultural skills among young learners, students at the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center were recently engaged in practical training focused on drying fruits and vegetables using solar dryers. This training took place on March 14 and was complemented by theoretical lessons on March 15 led by Dr. Grace Okiror, a Lecturer in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at Gulu University.

The workshop commenced with hands-on training where agriculture students actively participated in the process of peeling and chopping fruits such as pineapples and vegetables like okra. Utilizing essential tools including knives, buckets, chopping boards, and dryer trays, the students gained firsthand experience in preparing their produce for solar drying. After the peeling and chopping were completed, the fruits and vegetables were neatly arranged in the solar dryer, marking a significant step in learning about sustainable food preservation techniques.

The following day, the focus shifted to the theoretical aspects of solar drying. Dr. Okiror emphasized the myriad benefits of using solar dryers in agriculture, particularly the advantages of harnessing green energy. The discussions centered around how solar drying can secure safe and high-quality food products while extending shelf life and minimizing losses that farmers often face during the preservation of crops.

This training is not only about imparting practical skills; it reflects a broader commitment to empowering the next generation of farmers with innovative, sustainable practices. The agriculture department expressed great enthusiasm for the solar dryer, which is expected to be a transformative tool in enhancing production and preservation methods for farm products within the refugee settlement.

The combination of practical experience and theoretical knowledge equips students with the skills necessary to address agricultural challenges effectively, ensuring food security and sustainability in their communities. As these students continue their training, they are not just learning to be better farmers; they are also becoming stewards of sustainable practices that can benefit the environment and their communities.

The Don Bosco Vocational Training Center remains dedicated to equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the agricultural sector, fostering resilience and innovation among the future leaders of agriculture in Uganda and beyond.