By Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting From Uganda
SCORES of young people across Uganda have been enrolled in a three-month skills acquisition programme aimed at reducing unemployment, through an initiative of the Africa Missions Global (Canada1) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), East Africa Region.
The programme, which formally commenced with a matriculation ceremony on Monday, offers training in a wide range of vocational and digital skills, including digital marketing, artificial intelligence, computer applications, graphic design, web design, hairdressing, cyber security, tailoring and shoe making, among others.
Section of the trainees
The training is being facilitated by seasoned professionals and academics, including Professor Ibrahim Sani, Director of ICT at Kampala International University (KIU); Oluwole Olumuyiwa Afolabi, a web design expert at KIU; Orire Shola Alao, a cyber security specialist and Head of Network Operations at KIU; Emmanuel Odongkara, Media Consultant and IT Officer from the Office of the President, Directorate for Ethics and Integrity; and Fatumah Nampijja, a fashion design and training expert.
Group photograph of the trainees and officials
Speaking on the impact of the initiative since its inception about a year ago, one of the alumni, Benjamin Amos Kato, testified that the programme had transformed his professional outlook.
Benjamin Amos Kato
He explained that he now runs a personal website where he showcases his literary works, including songs and books.
“I joined the training at a time when I was confused about my brand. Learning web design sharpened my vision and gave me clarity,” he said.
Addressing the new trainees, Professor Sani encouraged them to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, urging them to aspire to become employers of labour rather than job seekers.
He advised them to maximise the opportunity provided by the free capacity-building programme to improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s economy.
Publisher, Stonix News/Crimes Chroniclers, Ebenezer Adurokiya
Also speaking at the event, the Publisher of Stonix News and Crimes Chroniclers, and RCCG pastor, Ebenezer Adurokiya, charged the trainees to remain focused and determined to derive tangible value from the programme.
Adurokiya, who inaugurated the alumni executive and offered prayers for the participants, reminded the youths of the biblical admonition in John 9:4, encouraging them to be diligent and productive in their youthful years.
The Director of Africa Missions Global, Uganda, Pastor Bamidele Oseni, who is also the Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG, The Ambassadors, Kololo, Kampala, urged the participants to concentrate on the value they could offer the world through the skills they would acquire.
Pastor Bamidele Oseni
Oseni, who is also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Caleb Consulting Ltd, Bugolobi, Kampala, said the Kenya Missionary Work which started in Kenya, was the vision of RCCG’s Mother-in-Israel, Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye.
Pastor Oseni, who stood in for Country Coordinator of RCCG in Uganda, Pastor Mrs Olubunmi Olushola Monye-Akinshipe,
explained that the programme, which is open to both Christians and non-Christians, is designed not only to impart skills but to ensure they are put into practice.
“If you do not apply what you have learnt, then you have failed the mission. The programme is not designed to produce job seekers, but creators of value,” he cautioned.
In his remarks, Emmanuel Odongkara commended the Africa Missions Global (Canada1) for its significant contributions to economic development and youth empowerment in Uganda.
Emmanuel Odongkara
He observed that with youths constituting about 70 per cent of Uganda’s estimated 48 million population, initiatives such as this are vital for productive engagement. He also expressed appreciation to RCCG Africa Missions Global (Canada1) for its continued sponsorship of the programme.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, one of the trainees, Shakira Nabirunde, said she had chosen hairdressing as her primary skill and hoped to acquire an additional skill.
Emmanuel Odongkara
She thanked the Africa Global Mission for providing an opportunity that helps to keep youths off the streets and equips them with practical skills for self-reliance.
