Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and UNICEF discuss solutions for youth skilling
“We have a lot of youths out there who are willing and ready to do something, but we do not give them enough time, so we need to spare time and engage them through the structures they understand,” said John Bosco Aparaku, the Adjumani District Planner
In a collaborative effort aimed at empowering Uganda's youth, the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development (MoGLSD), Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) and Ministry of Local Government (MoLG) in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) conducted a two-day learning workshop aimed at skilling adolescents and young people. Held in Arua City, district leaders and stakeholders from ten districts across West Nile, Acholi, and Bunyoro sub regions gathered to discuss scalable solutions for addressing skill development for adolescent and youth to support them in transition to life and work.
The workshop, which commenced on March 26, 2024, served as a platform for robust discussions on scalable solutions for skilling adolescents and youth. The Resident City Commissioner of Arua, Mr. Charles Ichogor, set the tone for the proceedings with his poignant remarks, highlighting the critical importance of empowering youth with relevant skills. "The only way we can save the country is through skilling young people with those skills that are needed for their transition to life and work," remarked Ichogor, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
Mr. Mondo Kyateka, Commissioner for Children and Youth at MoGLSD, echoed Ichogor's sentiments, shedding light on the challenges facing Uganda's youth. "41 per cent of Ugandan youth are not in employment, education, or any form of training," revealed Kyateka, underscoring the need for integrated approaches to skill development.
Ms. Mystica Acheng, the UNICEF Chief of the Arua Zonal Office, emphasized UNICEF's unwavering commitment to adolescent empowerment, particularly among marginalized groups. "UNICEF will continue supporting the government to institutionalize transferable skills training opportunities for adolescents and young people," assured Acheng, emphasizing the organization's dedication to providing vulnerable youth with a second chance to vulnerable adolescent girls and boy by empowering them through skills training.
She also informed the participants that UNICEF will continue supporting the government to institutionalize transferable skills training opportunities for adolescents and young people, including such marginalized groups as girls, refugee youth and adolescents with disabilities, in both formal and non-formal education and training systems in Uganda.
Throughout the workshop, stakeholders engaged in fruitful discussions, addressing a myriad of issues ranging from curriculum reform to proactive engagement with adolescents and youth. The consensus emerged on the importance of integrating soft and digital skills into existing skilling programs to enhance youth employability and resilience in the face of evolving job markets.
"The most needed skills in the 21st century and rapidly changing economy are core soft and digital skills," affirmed workshop participants, recognizing the indispensable role of problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication in today's workforce.
Highlighting the imperative of innovation in skilling programs, the Principal Qualification Officer of the Directorate of Industrial Training at the Ministry of Education and Sports—stressed the need for adaptability. "It is paramount to include soft skills and innovation to the existing skilling programs," emphasized the officer, signaling a shift towards a more dynamic approach to youth empowerment.
The Terego district Vice Chairperson Sunday Ayikoru emphasized the need for mindset change in the region and country at large since most parents have absconded from their parenting roles. She appealed to the government to include skilling in the curriculum.
“If you go to the villages, most men have abandoned their parental responsibilities to women to look after the children and those are the youths you find seated on the roadsides, so we need to address the issue of mindset change by providing skills, we shall save many ideal youths wasted on the streets,” Ayikoru lamented.
John Bosco Aparaku, the Adjumani District Planner said there is a need to give more time to the youths in discussing with them what can be best for them through their structures.
“We have a lot of youths out there who are willing and ready to do something, but we do not give them enough time, so we need to spare time and engage them through the structures they understand,” said Aparaku.
Meanwhile the district female youth councilor for Lamwo District Doris Abalo challenged the stakeholders not to only look at the youth from a negative angle but rather encourage them to take up opportunities in skilling and other programs.
“There are so many youths out there who are doing something to change their lives, but they lack guidance and financial support, so if we can empower the youths positively with right skills they can be productive in the society so we should not generalize them.”
At the end of the workshop, stakeholders were optimistic about the outcomes, anticipating tangible solutions and actionable strategies to address the issue of lack of relevant transferable skills among adolescent and youth that prevents them from entering employment and being productive members of society.
With a focus on scalability and inclusivity, the leaders of ten districts aim to pave the way for a brighter future for Uganda's adolescent and youth, laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
