Parents have been encouraged to participate in the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child (PISGBC) project by enrolling their children in the program, which would provide them with free vocational training.
Mr. Hussein Lukyamuzi, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Chairperson for Makindye Division, made the appeal on May 29, 2024, while serving as the guest of honour during a showcasing occasion for products manufactured by pupils of Wabigalo Skilling Centre in Makindye Division.
“Parents throughout the country, please send your children to skilling centers and take advantage of the free chance that the President has provided for the kids to learn hands-on skills. “Once you learn these skills, you can create jobs for yourself and others,” he explained.
This showcasing program, which began on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Luzira Skilling Centre, also served as an evaluation for students who are about to take their final exams in the departments of electronics, shoe making, electrical installation, plumbing, building and construction, carpentry, joinery, welding, and motor vehicle mechanics.
Mr. Lukyamuzi complimented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for providing young people with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“It is a very positive step forward and an excellent endeavor. “Thank you, President Yoweri Museveni, for skilling the nation,” he remarked.
Mr. Lukyamuzi, a farmer and veterinary practitioner, also hired several of the plumbing students to work on his coffee plantation property in Masulita to install an irrigation system.
Dr. Faith Katana, Senior Presidential Assistant on Education and Skilling and the head of the PISGBC project, described the Wabigalo Skilling Centre as unique because the majority of individuals enrolled in Makindye and Namuwongo couldn’t even read their names.
She remarked that first, only boys were admitted, but later, girls were also incorporated in the Skilling centre.
“This demonstrates that abilities and the use of hands do not require a certificate to join a Skilling Centre. “The requirement only requires a letter from the area’s LC1 Chairman, who is well-known to his residents,” she explained.
Dr. Katana further stressed that the nine centers in Kampala’s five divisions are just for city residents, not pupils from upcountry. She also stated that the Presidential Industrial Hubs, which were formed regionally, have served upcountry districts.
“The Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child is based only in Kampala.LC1 Chairpersons should avoid recommending pupils from Gulu, Mbarara, Tororo, or any other upcountry region. The President has developed Industrial Hubs for them, so LC’s do not compromise themselves.” she directed.
Dr. Katana was especially impressed by the students’ ingenuity at the Centre, who repurpose discarded motor vehicle tyres into creative items that may be used to hold flowers and as decorations.
“Such tyres were being burned on the streets during senseless riots thereby damaging our tarmac roads,” she said.
On the other hand, Dr. Katana renewed her demand for individuals who claim the State House spends a lot of money to stop spreading misinformation about its budget.
She explained that State House pays shs 4 million each student for the 6-month Skilling program and enrolls 6,000 students each semester.
Dr. Katana also revealed that 99% of the training is practical, and materials must be purchased in order to provide the students free education.
She did, however, congratulate the Administrator of Wabigalo Skilling Centre, Mr. Nkwanga David, and the Instructors for altering the Centre’s appearance. She also complimented Dr. Grace Bikumbi and all of the counselors for a job well done.
Dr. Bikumbi is a clinical psychologist, addiction specialist, and rehabilitation expert for slum residents.
“The primary component is rehabilitation. “It’s critical to rehabilitate them before skilling because you can’t train someone who is high on drugs,” Dr. Bikumbi explained.
Mr. Mac Baingana, Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Makindye Division, expressed his admiration for the items displayed by Wabigalo students, characterizing the program as heartwarming.
“That will go a long way in reducing and eventually eliminating criminality in the community,” he said.
Mr. Baingana, who praised the President for the project, also urged students to adopt humility once on the job and to treat their clients with dignity.
“The President has numerous programs. In the first place, infrastructure development, UPE, and USE, among others, were mentioned, but he declined. “I want to save my children from destruction by providing them with livelihood skills,” the Deputy RCC added.
Ssekamate Kevin from Mbuga village in Makindye Division, for example, benefited from the skilling program by learning plumbing.
He saw that the most obvious obstacle is mentality adjustment.
“You can get a degree, but what you do with your hands is what provides food on the table. So, I encourage all young people to participate in hands-on skill training that will benefit them throughout their lives,” he stated.
Julius Serwada is also a beneficiary.
He stated, “I’m not the same guy I was before coming here. After 6 months, I am convinced that poverty is no longer an issue for me. I’m purchasing little tools and materials to make shoes, key holders, and purses. I advise my peers to avoid behaviors that do not benefit them, such as meaningless rioting and thuggery.”
