The students of Kikoni Skilling Centre showcased their products as they get closer to the conclusion of their six-month free skills training. The event, held on Friday, marked a significant milestone for the trainees and highlighted the transformative impact of the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child (PISGBC) project.
Kikoni Skilling Centre, situated in the Kawempe Division, is one of the nine centers under the Presidential Initiative for Skilling the Girl/Boychild (PISGBC) project spread across the five divisions of Kampala. The initiative aims to equip young people with practical skills to enhance their employability and foster economic self-reliance. At Kikoni, students have been trained in seven departments: motor vehicle mechanics, knitting, leather design and shoemaking, building and construction, electronics engineering, phone repair, and carpentry.
One of the standout testimonies at the showcase came from Nelson, a student from the electronics class. Nelson recounted his past life as a member of Kikankane, a notorious group that terrorized concert-goers and dealt in illegal substances. “In the ghetto, we used to say ‘Our lives are our capital,’ so we ensured our capital was always safe,” he said. Nelson and his peers once delivered weed to artists and created chaos at events. However, witnessing one of their own reform and join the skilling program inspired Nelson and others to follow suit.
“Now, I am a phone mechanic,” Nelson proudly shared. “The phones we used to grab are now the ones we repair. That’s the transformation.” His story is a testament to the program’s power to change lives and redirect young people towards constructive paths.
The cooks contracted to provide meals for the students also expressed their satisfaction. “As service providers, we are so happy to feed these students,” one of them said. “They look healthy and happy because we provide them with nutritious food.”
Councilor Nassanga Saada who also doubles as the administrator of the center extended her heartfelt gratitude to the management of the skilling project, the President, and the Comptroller. “You have implemented significant changes and introduced a variety of courses at different centers, greatly aiding us in fostering creativity,” she noted.
Saada emphasized the holistic approach of the program, mentioning that students often arrive without identification but leave with their National IDs. “Our goal is to nurture responsible learners,” she added. She praised the dedicated staff of 24 who work tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly and students acquire the skills they need.
In her speech, Saada revealed impressive statistics: “On 31st November 2023, we registered 550 students, including 35 girls taking exams and 434 boys. These students have shown remarkable improvements in both discipline and health.”
She called upon men to encourage women to join the program and urged parents to act as ambassadors, bringing more students to benefit from the initiative. “We don’t just teach skills; we also offer co-curricular activities like sports, contributing to the holistic development of our students,” Saada concluded.
Dr. Faith Mirembe Katana, the Special Presidential Assistant on Skilling and Education and Head of the project, highlighted the project’s efforts to create a production line that employs some of the students and generates income. “Through our skilling program, we tailored the uniforms used during the NAM and G77 events. Additionally, we are responsible for tailoring clothes for all departments of the State House,” he said, noting that all this work is carried out at Subway skilling center.
She expressed pride in the students and their remarkable innovations. “These students once led very different lives, but now they have transformed and become valuable members of their communities. We have mentored them and instilled strong moral values into them through patriotism classes,” Katana added.
She also assured the students of a ready market for their products and encouraged them to produce high-quality goods. “Success and financial stability will follow,” he promised.
The Chairperson, National Resistance Movement (NRM) Kawempe Division, Godfrey Lwanga shared testimonies he heard during the event. “One student shared that he has been here for six months, not only studying but also being well-fed,” Lwanga recounted. He praised President Museveni’s management of these initiatives, noting the challenges parents face in providing for their children.
“Under President Museveni’s leadership, all these needs are being met, and everything is provided for free. We live in peace and security, thanks to the NRM government,” Lwanga stated.
Rtd Major Awich Pollar, Director of External Affairs in NRM, who represented Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong at the event stressed the importance of skilling in the NRM manifesto and praised the President for ensuring its implementation. “Many youth lack the skills needed for employment, but through skilling programs, this issue is addressed,” he said.
He assured the students of ample employment opportunities and encouraged them to pursue their passions and excel in their chosen fields.
The event at Kikoni Skilling Centre not only showcased the students’ skills but also highlighted the profound impact of the PISGBC project. The transformation of lives, from troubled backgrounds to skilled professionals, stands as a testament to the initiative’s success.
As the students prepare to conclude their training, they do so with a sense of pride and accomplishment. The skills they have acquired, the discipline they have learned, and the support they have received will undoubtedly shape their futures and contribute to the development of their communities.
The Kikoni Skilling Centre, along with the other centers under the PISGBC project, continues to play an important role in Uganda’s efforts to empower its youth, providing them with the tools they need to build better lives for themselves and their families.
