Government to invest sh10bn in private non-formal institutions

By Eddie Ssejjoba                        

The minister of state for primary education Dr. John Muyingo has appealed to non-formal training centres to apply for funds from the education ministry, to train students on skills acquisition.

He said the ministry allocated sh2.2 trillion for skilling Uganda program for the next 10 years but part of it, which is shs10bn, will specifically cater for the informal skills training.

He explained that Government offers free training for unemployed youth and school dropouts to enable them acquire skills from existing institutions that absorb non-formal students and primary school leavers.

Other training centres where the ministry is channeling the funds include artisan and carpentry workshops, motor garages, saloons and hairdressers, restaurants and hotels.

Speaking at Shoreline Technical Institute Entebbe during the graduation ceremony, the minister asked parents with children who dropped out of school to enroll them in institutions where they can get training even without formal academic papers.

The institute that offers training in motor mechanics, catering, electrical, hairdressing, tailoring and fashion design, building and construction and other courses have benefited from the non-formal training fund with several youth getting government sponsorship.

At least 130 students graduated with diplomas and certificates.
 

The state minister for primary education, JC Miyingo joins students of Shoreline Technical Institute to cut a cake at their graduation.

"The NRM government values skills training. It is the reason why we set aside funds to pay fees for non-formal training," he said, adding that the government policy stated that every political constituency must have a vocational training centre.

He explained that in areas where vocational institutes exist, Government will expand and equip them.

He appealed to parents to change their mindset and value vocational training because “that is where money lies.”