From a graduate to a video hall owner
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) started implementing a project funded by the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) in 2016. At that time, one of the youth supported under the project was a student at Aleera Secondary school. At the time LWF advertised scholarsips in vocational training, the same youth was in his S.4 vacation was not sure whether he would go back to school for Senior 5 and 6. "When the opportunity came I gave it a try. I submitted my application for computer studies. I was fortunately shortlisted, interviewed and offered the scholarship."
As soon as he got the scholarship, the eager young man enrolled for computer studies at Ave Maria Technical Institute in Lira district. The graduate describes the opportunity a turning point in his life as he acquired exposure, knowledge and skills in various computer applications and packages. "The school environment was very good and the teachers were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the course. I learnt a lot of things in a very short period of 6 months." He adds.
After school, he returned to Nyumanzi very hopeful and ready to work. He however had to wait for another 2 months to get a work start-up kit from LWF. "My tool kit comprised of a laptop, a desktop, a printer, a table and chairs, solar panel plus an invertor with two batteries which were big enough." Says one of the graduates who was supported by LWF with funding from PRM. As soon as he received the kit, he established a a video hall, secretarial bureau and charging lab from which he earns atleast UGX 600,000 a month.
Like any other business person, he also faces business challenges. "High rent fees and theft are some of the major problem, forinstance, a gang of thieves broke in to my shop when I had travelled to Kampala to buy printer cartridges and they stole my laptop which I replaced immediately with my savings."
He therefore, appeals to LWF to work together with the supported graduates to establish a business center where they can cost share when it comes to rent and also contribute to hiring a night guard at night for security to prevent theft.
