February 14, 2024 – In the Karamoja Sub-Region in Uganda, providing vocational training and Conflict Resolution Education (CRE) can be transformative for local populations, especially for young people. The unique challenges faced by this region require targeted efforts at empowering youth with practical skills and the ability to mediate conflicts in a peaceful way.
Vocational training not only addresses the pressing issue of unemployment but also equips young individuals with the tools needed to create sustainable livelihoods. Moreover, in a region historically characterized by inter-community tensions, CRE becomes a vital component, fostering understanding and cooperation among youth, giving them a deeper understanding of the underlying principles of peace, and control of their emotions, meaning violence becomes less likely.
In the fall and winter of 2023, we ran a number of training courses and initiatives focused on developing the personal capacity of local community members at our Community Learning Center in the Moroto district. The initiatives focused on Conflict Resolution Education as well as three vocational skills courses focused on Information and Communication Technology, Business & Entrepreneurship and Arts & Crafts. These courses were designed to bridge the skills gap and address unemployment by imparting practical skills, enabling participants to create their own employment opportunities, leading to income-generation, self-reliance and a stable local economy.
On December 21, 2023, WPDI organized a graduation ceremony at the Community Learning Center to confer certificates upon the successful trainees. A total of 114 trainees successfully received certificates for completing one of the courses.
One participant, Sarah, a 25-year old primary school teacher from Moroto, was delighted at being given the chance to develop her practical skills: “I learned about the training programs offered by WPDI through a friend who had already registered for the last intake. Encouraged by her, I decided to apply for the Arts & Crafts course due to its practical skills, which I intend to utilize for commercial purposes during my free time. It provided me with a variety of skills, including making jewelry, bangles, earrings, tie and dye, liquid soap detergents, and bar soap. The process of making liquid soap detergents captured my interest, and I plan to start producing them for sale to schools, facilitating the cleaning of washrooms and classrooms. I express my gratitude to WPDI for the valuable skills and encouragement provided through the Arts & Crafts program. Thank you for empowering me to explore new avenues and contribute to my community.”
By investing in both vocational and peace education training, WPDI is aiming not only to enhance individual prospects but also contribute to building a more harmonious and resilient future for the youth of Karamoja. In a wider context, the aim of these programs is to plant seeds of peace that, with time, will lead to a more socio-economically stable society, where conflict and violence is less common, but when it does arise, is dealt with in a sustainable way.
This program is made possible thanks to the financial support of Education Above All, Bank of America, and a foundation that wishes to remain anonymous.
