Ex-abductees, orphans in Acholi get vocational skills
Jan 31, 2010
A TOTAL of 5,228 former LRA abductees, orphans and school drop-outs in Acholi region have received vocational skills.
By Chris Ocowun
A TOTAL of 5,228 former LRA abductees, orphans and school drop-outs in Acholi region have received vocational skills.
The training was conducted by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
The council has also provided the trainees with start-up tools to start income-generating projects.
International affairs state minister Henry Okello Oryem on Thursday presided over the graduation ceremony held at Namokora Youth Education Park Centre in Kitgum district.
The council has set up 10 training centres in Gulu, Amuru and Kitgum districts.
The NRC education manager, Patrick Sikana, observed that much as peace had returned to the region, there were many school dropouts.
“This is an emergency and we must spare resources to make sure that those who drop out of school are given skills to improve their lives. Our recent survey revealed that 37,000 youth do not access formal education in Pader and Kitgum districts,†Sikana explained.
He called on the residents to support the programme. Oryem hailed NRC for conducting the training.
He encouraged the trainees to pursue diploma courses in their areas of specialisation.
The beneficiaries have been trained in catering, carpentry and joinery, brick laying and concrete practices, tailoring and agriculture.
The Namokora LC3 chairman, Robert Ocana, proposed that the trainees be exempted from paying for a trading licence for one year to establish their businesses.
A TOTAL of 5,228 former LRA abductees, orphans and school drop-outs in Acholi region have received vocational skills.
The training was conducted by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
The council has also provided the trainees with start-up tools to start income-generating projects.
International affairs state minister Henry Okello Oryem on Thursday presided over the graduation ceremony held at Namokora Youth Education Park Centre in Kitgum district.
The council has set up 10 training centres in Gulu, Amuru and Kitgum districts.
The NRC education manager, Patrick Sikana, observed that much as peace had returned to the region, there were many school dropouts.
“This is an emergency and we must spare resources to make sure that those who drop out of school are given skills to improve their lives. Our recent survey revealed that 37,000 youth do not access formal education in Pader and Kitgum districts,†Sikana explained.
He called on the residents to support the programme. Oryem hailed NRC for conducting the training.
He encouraged the trainees to pursue diploma courses in their areas of specialisation.
The beneficiaries have been trained in catering, carpentry and joinery, brick laying and concrete practices, tailoring and agriculture.
The Namokora LC3 chairman, Robert Ocana, proposed that the trainees be exempted from paying for a trading licence for one year to establish their businesses.