Education is a privilege not a punishment. Not everyone is blessed to be educated and there are a number of prevailing circumstances that make many not to finish school and attain the best grade they would have wanted. A number of responsibilities have made many youths to drop out prematurely.
As many as 30 youths who dropped out of school at an early stage and other professionals have been recruited for a ten-week intensive skills training in urban agriculture using greenhouse technology, self-awareness as well as using social media to market their services and goods.
The training is intended to make youths and professionals productive to the nation and particularly to themselves.
It is being conducted by KiBO Foundation, a social enterprise organisation focused on developing skills and unleashing the capacity of youth through ICT and other skills in Uganda.
KiBO Foundation life skills instructor Douglas Balikuddembe said time round much emphasis has been on agriculture because it’s a tax-free business and very easy to start up.
“We encourage the youths to start up backyard garden,” he said, adding that they have been considering produce that take a short time to mature and can be on the market during scarcity.
“We believe agriculture is a backbone of the country. We practice continuous supply of agriculture produce throughout the year,” said Balikuddembe.
“Every time we train, we discover new trends.”
Speaking at the commitment ceremony in Kasanga, Uganda Association of Private Vocation Institutions George Mwanja said the skills are relevant to the students. He however noted that policies in regard to vocational education don’t change to the demands of the people.
On her part, Veronica Ssempebwa, the CEO of KiBO Foundation, urged youths to always identify opportunities and tap into them to better themselves.
She told the new recruits to develop empathy and improve the communities around themselves.
A reservoir for safe water worth sh3.7m was donated to Hope Clinic Lukuli Nanganda. This was done by students after carrying out a needs assessment.
