Rubirizi,Uganda – Youth have been encouraged to enroll in vocational training to acquire practical skills that can help them improve their livelihoods.
Speaking in an interview with our radio news reporter, 23-year-old Kyarisima Catheline, a student at Bunyaruguru Vocational College in Rubirizi District, shared her inspiring journey. She studied Hotel and Institutional Catering and has since started her own business. Although it began under challenging circumstances, the venture is now progressing successfully.
Catheline explained how gaining vocational skills helped her become self-reliant.
She also advised fellow young women to prioritize vocational training instead of rushing into early marriages, noting that early marriage can lead to long-term challenges.
In addition, she called on parents to support and guide their children, emphasizing that love and encouragement play a key role in inspiring youth to achieve positive goals.
It is a great honor for the youth to embrace vocational studies in Rubirizi District and Uganda at large this is truly the way forward.
Young people need to understand that the belief that government jobs are superior has historical roots. In the 1960s, Uganda had abundant opportunities within the newly formed government. Those who had accessed education in the 1950s, especially sons of chiefs and priests during the colonial period, were able to secure these positions.
Today, the situation has changed. The number of graduates far exceeds the available government job opportunities. The gap is no longer in public employment ..it is in practical skills and innovation.
Therefore, I strongly encourage my fellow youth to acquire hands-on vocational skills in areas such as business, agriculture, construction, and information technology. These skills not only create employment but also empower individuals to become job creators rather than job seekers