Parents urged to support their children after graduation

UNEMPLOYMENT

It is close to a year since Joseph Gusino (not real name) graduated from Kyambogo University. Since then, Gusino says he has not received considerate financial support from his parents.

"Since I graduated, I have no basis to ask for money from my parents since they toiled to pay for me school fees up to university," Gusino says.

He adds that he even feels ashamed to do ask for financial support from his parents since they still have other siblings of his to take care of and pay school fees for to at least university.

"They also expect me to reduce on the burden by helping them pay school fees for my siblings," he adds.

Similar sentiments are shared by Ivan (also not real name), a 4^th year student of chemical engineering at Kyambogo University.

"Some of us come from families that are financially unstable and our parents expect a lot from us as soon as we graduate like helping them take care of our young siblings," Ivan says.

Since December last year when he graduated, Gusino describes the journey as not simple so far since he has not yet found employment.

It is against this background that Henry Sseddyabane, the principal of Kampala Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) urged parents to support their children even after they have graduated from higher institutions of learning.

 Sseddyabane explained that graduates are currently facing challenges finding employment due to the high unemployment rates.

He explained that medical students with the nature of their course can create their own jobs but even if the student needed assistance from the parents, the parents should support them.

"It is not bad for the parent to look for some capital and give to the child. Parents need to continue guiding and helping the children even after they have graduated," he said.

Sseddyabane was speaking during the second graduation ceremenony at the institute in Kyengera town council in Wakiso district recently.

About 20 students graduated with diplomas in clinical medicine & community health and health services management awarded by Uganda Allied Health Examinations Board.

Rebecca Sanyu, another graduate of clinical medicine and community health alluded to Sseddyabane's point and further urged parents to continue supporting them.

"Right now, we have graduated but our licenses and transcripts are not yet out and these are the documents that shall be required before applying anywhere for a job.

However, Sanyu is one of those that are hoping to get more support from her parents even after graduating.

"Since I joined this institute, I told my parents that I want to own a hospital. So, they are preparing for that. If they succeed, I also want to employ others to curb unemployment," Sanyu said.

Moses Nangoli, a graduate of clinical medicine and community health from the institute said though the struggle to find employment is not rosy, those with the right skills and knowledge shall get employment.