By Prossy Namiiro
It was a Peak moment for graduates, parents, guardians, well wishers and staff of Touch The Slum in Namuwongo on Saturday as they celebrated their third graduation ceremony in Skills For Life.
The graduates were young people especially school dropouts and young mothers who had lost hope of having a place of their own in society. These were empowered with tailoring and hairdressing skills.
Addressing the victors, Journalist turned fashionista Ms. Alma conex who was the chief guest urged the graduates to face the world with uniqueness, team work and passion for the skills they were empowered with.
“It is not always about bitenji,(Ankara), please deal in all materials. Look for opportunities and market yourself outside. Reach out to people and create opportunities without fearing to approach their offices.
Always be among the investors and don’t fear to try.Team work so that you can bring out the best skill because I believe everyone is best at something. Don’t forget to always be your own model,” she advised
Mr. Ronald Eligu, the Executive Director, Touch the Slum revealed that young people need to be empowered with hands on skills because the world today needs more entrepreneurs than job speakers.
“Apparently the world has changed, we have created alot of job seekers and I think now is the time we create more entrepreneurs, and innovators through skilling. What makes ours a bit special is that we focus on skilling the dropouts,” he said.
After the graduation, Eligu revealed that they take the graduates through business training and entrepreneurship so that they are able to start themselves job opportunities and also connect them to the available opportunities.
“They are special kind of people who still need our help and guidance even through that process of making their own money. So we are going to enhance and build on those we have taught them. We taking them to the business world,” He added.Mariam Namusabi, the founding director of Arise Women Empowerment Center, Jinja said the world needs more of such NGOs like Touch The Slum because they bring young people’s souls back to life.
“These girls come here when they have lost hope, confused and tired. Remember they get pregnant when they are not ready because of so many reasons but I am glad that once they get this skill and graduate, there is a certain hope they receive and surely start feeling valued,” she said
Adding, “For instance there is a girl I got here who hag got pregnant and was confused but because we got in touch with Mr. Ronald Eligu, Christine has managed to graduate and her baby is alive. This is a life giving opportunity for these mother’s and remember and empowered woman is an empowered nation.
She further advised parents and guardians of these young people to always give them chances to education even after they become parents.
“Don’t give up on them because pregnancy is a time frame. It is a nine month journey so support this girl to have a child, then focus her on the journey she was on. Let us not give up on them because they have alot to do for the future but once you don’t give them the education, you be denying them alot,” she said
