Green TVET Programme Empowers Female Graduates with Seed Capital for Entrepreneurship at Kamuli Graduation Ceremony
St. Joseph Vocational Training Centre Kamuli with support from Gender Matters for Green TVET Programme supported 26 female graduates from electrical/solar, plumbing and agriculture departments with seed capital to boost their businesses to facilitate their transition into the labour market. The female graduates formed three mini companies for electrical/solar, plumbing and agriculture.
This took place on 14th June 2024 during the 9TH graduation ceremony. A total of 547 graduates (205 female and 342 male) were awarded certificates for successfully completing their skills training.
The ceremony was graced by the H.E Rt. Rev. Luigi Bianco Papal Nuncio to Uganda and the Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara.
The joy and excitement were palpable as the graduands, accompanied by their families and friends, gathered at the campus to receive their National certificates awarded by UBTEB and Competence based certificates awarded by DIT. The occasion was a testament to the centre’s commitment to providing quality education and training to equip young minds with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their chosen careers.
In his keynote address, Hon. Balaam Barugahara congratulated the graduands on their achievement, emphasizing the importance of technical and vocational education in bridging the gap of unemployment. He asked the graduands to utilize the opportunities government has put in place for capital such as PDM and Youth livelihood funds.
“As we celebrate your graduation today, we recognize the crucial role you play in shaping the future of our country,” he said. “We urge you to use your skills and knowledge to contribute positively to national development.”
H.E Rt. Rev. Luigi Bianco, the Papal Nuncio to Uganda, who was the main celebrant in the Holy sacrifice of mass that preceded the awarding of Certificates, also congratulated the graduands, highlighting the importance of education in promoting peace, unity, and development. “Education is a powerful tool that can bring people together and foster understanding,” he said. “As you go out into the world, remember that your education is not only about acquiring knowledge and skills but also about building bridges of understanding and respect.”
The Principal Fr Nguyen van Gia Cat Joseph thanked the graduands for successfully completing their courses, and for exhibiting discipline throughout. He asked them to be excellent workers which is what represents the true spirit of St Joseph and Don Bosco.
The graduands received Certificates in Building construction, Electrical installation, Plumbing, Automotive Mechanics, Fashion & Garment design, Agriculture, Cosmetology and beauty therapy, Catering, Welding, Solar installation, Carpentry, and Business accounting from the years 2022 and 2023.
The ceremony was also attended by officials from UBTEB, DIT, representatives from various organizations, Salesians from Bombo & Namugongo, instructors, priests, sisters, and well-wishers.
Provision of seed capital to 26 female graduates was made possible with funding from the Austrian Development Cooperation and Jugend Eine Welt. This is part of the broader Gender Matters for Green TVET programme; a four-year initiative (2023-2026) implemented in five Don Bosco TVET Centres across Uganda (Bombo, Palabek and Kamuli) and Rwanda (Gatenga and Muhazi).