Summary:

• URDT and the Mastercard Foundation Uganda are providing IT training to 67 young people, regardless of their background. The program offers flexible learning for a month, combining theory with practical application. Students like Nyangoma Teddy and Musoki Lilian are transforming their careers, while others, like Ayebale Ahmed and John Mark, are expanding their businesses using newfound IT skills.

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KAGADI, (Examiner) – URDT Institute in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Uganda, is spearheading a transformative initiative aimed at equipping 67 young individuals with essential IT skills, regardless of their educational backgrounds. Mr. Arua Edward, an instructor, emphasizes the belief in the innate capacity of today’s youth to navigate computers with the same proficiency as they do their smartphones. Through comprehensive training modules encompassing introductory computer usage and internet navigation, URDT and the Mastercard Foundation Uganda are extending avenues for personal and professional growth.

The URDT-I is a vocational training institution aiming to create a critical mass of all-round male and female young entrepreneurs who have integrity and the capacity to improve their economic situation. The institution is implementing a skilling program to enable young people to create jobs or access dignified and fulfilling work. URDT-I adopted a satellite model of skilling young people where artisans are given the opportunity to provide hands-on training experience to young people through a mentorship/apprenticeship program, which has a positive impact on mindset, business survival, growth, and performance.

“This program is designed to empower young individuals to harness the full potential of information technology,” Mr. Arua Edward said in an interview with Examiner on Wednesday. “We believe in providing opportunities that open doors to new pathways for success.”

“The course duration is one month per shift and is continuous” he said, offering students the flexibility to engage in independent research alongside their coursework. This blend of theoretical understanding and practical application fosters a dynamic learning environment, where knowledge absorption meets real-world implementation

Mr. Arua Edward further elaborates on the program’s inclusive approach, stating, “We encourage students from diverse backgrounds to utilize our resources and access the internet to expand their skill set and knowledge base.” This philosophy underscores URDT and Mastercard Foundation Uganda’s commitment to holistic development across various fields and disciplines.

Nyangoma Teddy, a former hairdresser turned IT student, exemplifies the transformative power of accessible education. “I’m here to become a job creator rather than a job seeker,” she asserts, highlighting the newfound confidence and entrepreneurial ambition fostered by the program.

Musoki Lilian’s journey reflects the program’s capacity to guide individuals towards alternative career paths. After completing a tailoring course, Lilian embraced the opportunity to delve into ICT, aspiring to establish her own workshop upon graduation.

Ayebale Ahmed, engaged in poultry farming, acknowledges the pivotal role of ICT in expanding his business horizons. “ICT has opened up my mind,” he affirms, emphasizing its utility in researching new feeds and breeds to enhance his farming endeavors.

John Mark, involved in a piggery project, envisions leveraging internet resources to bolster his agricultural pursuits. His aspiration to expand his knowledge base and implement innovative strategies underscores the program’s impact on fostering agricultural innovation.

Vicent Byamukama advocates for the utilization of opportunities presented by the program, emphasizing his commitment to innovation and knowledge expansion. His endeavor to create innovative solutions, such as a man-made bicycle, epitomizes the entrepreneurial spirit nurtured through the program.

The program aims to train 70,000 young individuals in vocational and leadership skills to enhance their access to job opportunities.

Background of URDT

URDT was established to bridge the gap in development initiatives by integrating functional education, consciousness raising, skills training, and rural development interventions, aiming to empower marginalized rural communities in Uganda.

Since its inception in 1987, URDT has refined its rural development methodology, emphasizing the creative process and systems thinking. Recognizing the need for catalysts and specialists in community development, URDT has pioneered innovative education institutions such as the URDT Schools (Primary and Secondary) and the URDT Institute for Vocational Training and Youth Leadership.

Additionally, it has embraced a two-generation approach in community schools, trained Epi Center Managers, operated a community radio station (KKCR 91.7 FM), and enhanced the capacity of non-state actors and local government, all geared towards fostering fundamental shifts in mindset and action.

URDT was established to provide a comprehensive development program that integrates functional education, training, and rural development interventions, aimed at empowering marginalized rural communities. The organization’s mission encompasses facilitating integrated, self-generating development through consciousness-raising, training, education, and information sharing.

URDT seeks to enable Ugandans, particularly in the Bunyoro Region, to unite around common vision and values to create peace, prosperity, health, freedom, and happiness. Central to their mission is empowering individuals to harness their innate abilities for personal and communal growth while recognizing the interconnectedness of various development concerns, from health and nutrition to governance and environment, for a holistic approach to development.

URDT envisions itself as a dynamic learning organization and hub for reflection and development, characterized by participatory and interactive professional management. Central to this vision is fostering strong support from communities, volunteers, professionals, donors, government, and other partners. The organization is committed to maintaining a team of creative, dedicated, and technically proficient staff members.

URDT aims to deliver high-quality education and training across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, development studies, and artisanal skills, catering to community members, voluntary organization leaders, government personnel, and development practitioners. Additionally, URDT strives to provide extension services, modern rural communication facilities, mediation, and operate resource centers to facilitate information exchange and learning. With a solid support and resource base both within and beyond the organization, URDT endeavors to fulfill its vision of sustainable development and empowerment in rural communities.

With extracts from: URDT (www.urdt.net), African Rural University (www.aru.ac.ug)