Charter Communications

We are here today to reflect on the 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 we are implementing in Karamoja, focusing on youth empowerment through vocational education and skilling. This initiative is critical, as Karamoja’s predominantly young population faces intersecting socioeconomic challenges, including unemployment ~ 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐡𝐚, 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 #VESP

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐦 The Frontier Project, launched in 2023, has already proven to be a game changer. Through Memorandums of Understanding with local governments, we are fostering stronger collaboration and creating opportunities in trades such as plumbing, fabrication, tailoring, and more. #VESP

Today’s workshop is a continuation of this journey an opportunity to validate our shared vision for vocational skilling and create a sustainable future for the youth of Karamoja. I thank all of you for your commitment and collaboration. Together, we are empowering the next generation to lead meaningful, self-reliant lives.

Through these efforts, we anticipate several outcomes. 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭, we aim to influence policy changes that address systemic barriers to education and employment in Karamoja. 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝, we seek to improve policy implementation practices, ensuring that government intentions translate into tangible benefits for the youth. 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲, we aspire to empower communities to actively participate in and benefit from these initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility. #𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐏

Our approach to vocational education also emphasizes 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. By incorporating current technologies and enhancing training methodologies, we can equip the youth with skills that are not only relevant today but also adaptable to the future. #VESP

These consultations revealed the gaps in existing programs and highlighted opportunities for improvement. For instance, we learned that many training institutions lack systems to track the progress of their graduates, which limits their ability to refine their curricula and respond to market demands. Additionally, there is a pressing need to strengthen the links between 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 to ensure that the skills taught are directly applicable to employment opportunities. #VESP

One of the most critical insights from our engagement with young people in Karamoja is their desire for training programs that go beyond simply imparting skills to focus on 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 This distinction is vital. While many have attended school, the absence of 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥, 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭-𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 training leaves them ill-equipped for the workforce. #VESP

During his presentation at today’s workshop, Mr. John Makoha, @FondazioneAVSI country representative, highlights the ongoing initiative in Karamoja—a region with a predominantly youthful population grappling with intersecting socioeconomic and mental health challenges. #VESP

#VESP is Empowering Karamoja Youth Through Skills Development Did you know? 66% of Karamoja's population lives in income poverty. 75% experience food insecurity 90% of youth haven't completed primary school. The Gap: · Current training programs focus on skills, not employability. · Lack of practical, market-oriented training. · Limited links between training and local industries Join @FondazioneAVSI Mission: · Listen to youth and tailor training to local industries (agriculture, mining, animal health). · Strengthen links between training and local businesses. · Advocate for policy reforms Support Policy Reforms: · Technical Education Bill. · Improved implementation practices. · Funding and oversight for vocational training programs. Take Action: · Engage with local stakeholders. · Provide practical, market-oriented training · Strengthen links between training and local industries. · Advocate for policy reforms. Join @FondazioneAVSI to empower Karamoja youth with employable skills!

The #VESP fully is dedicated to uplifting Karamoja’s youth by equipping them with practical skills such as metal fabrication, tailoring,hairdressing, motorcycle repair, animal health, to build the resilience, amd self-reliance. This program has benefited over 3,500 youth.

He adds while the region thrives on cattle keeping, mining, agriculture, and trade, unemployment remains a pressing issue with significant consequences. #VESP

𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐀𝐤𝐨𝐥 says the challenges facing Karamoja are as multifaceted as they are daunting. This region is marked by 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬, with 66% of the population living in 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 and 75% experiencing 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲. #VESP

What is @FondazioneAVSI It is an international non-profit organization committed to promoting the dignity of the person through development and humanitarian projects in Uganda and around the world. #VESP

Happening today at @MestilHotel is the Vocational Education and Skilling Programme (VESP) Policy and Advocacy Strategy Validation Workshop. The workshop today will focus on;- •Reviewing the draft 2023–2027 policy and advocacy strategy. •Exchanging knowledge, insights, and best practices. •Strengthening collaboration and build impactful networks. #VESP

Taking place today at Mestil Hotel is the Validation Workshop for the Vocational Education and Skilling Programme Policy and Advocacy Strategy This program is committed to empowering the youth of Karamoja by providing them with essential practical skills for their devt #VESP

The program focuses on equipping 3,500 youth with practical skills such as metal fabrication, tailoring, hairdressing, motorcycle repair etc. These skills aim foster self-reliance, and promote sustainable livelihoods while addressing the unemployment rates in the region. #VESP

Expected Outcomes Of #VESP: - More youth gainfully employed or self-employed, reducing unemployment and poverty. - Strengthened vocational education frameworks that align with both local and national economic needs. - A new generation of skilled workers ready to contribute to Uganda's economic growth.

Today’s workshop brings together key stakeholders, including representatives from @Educ_SportsUg, local government authorities, vocational training institutions, private sector partners, and youth from Karamoja. The goal is to review and refine the draft multi-year programme policy and advocacy strategy (2023–2027). This collaborative effort ensures an inclusive and impactful approach to advancing vocational education in the region. #VESP

𝐁𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬: ✔️ 3,500 youth to benefit ✔️ 4 technical institutes in Karamoja involved ✔️ Practical skills for sustainable livelihoods Today’s workshop solidifies plans for transformative impact #VESP

Happening Today 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 (VESP) is hosting a key Validation Workshop in Kampala Stakeholders will refine the draft policy (2023-2027) to boost vocational training & youth empowerment in Karamoja #VESP