Opportunity in Uganda: 500 Students Graduate From Free FJU Courses

Since 2021, About 5,000 People in Uganda Have Received Training in Culinary, Computing, Accounting, Carpentry, and More

On November 24th, the Youth Power Group (YPG), held its fifth graduation ceremony in Kampala, Uganda’s capital. The ceremony took place at The Universal Church’s national headquarters and celebrated 500 students who completed free training from August to November. The event also included cultural performances organized by YPG‘s Art and Culture Project.

Each graduate received a symbolic certificate signed and stamped by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The courses offered included culinary arts, baking, hairdressing, hair cutting, computing, accounting, web development, graphic design, carpentry, welding, electrician skills, phone repair, architecture, sign language, and English.

A Growing Initiative

This program, launched in December 2021, initially aimed to provide classes for young people during school breaks. However, due to overwhelming interest, it now welcomes participants from the entire community. Since its beginning, it has served approximately 5000 people in the community. Training is offered twice yearly, from February to June and August to November.

Making a Difference

The program helps participants build skills, gain financial independence, and create extra income. Classes are taught by professionals who volunteer their time and run Monday through Saturday between 9 AM and 5 PM.

Bishop Guilherme da Silveira, responsible for the evangelistic work of The Universal Church in Uganda, explains that a large part of the country’s youth become “idle and without purpose when their parents cannot afford to pay their school fees and expenses. Many become depressed and end up doing things they shouldn’t do.”

Regarding the impact of the initiative, he concludes, “In the first three months since we started this work, there were young people getting jobs that they had no access to before. Some left the streets, and others left the wrong lives they were living.”

Student Success

Christopher Mussisi, a 32-year-old wheelchair user, shared, “I always wanted a career where I could work sitting down. That’s why I chose the Telephone Repair course. When I got here, I knew nothing about the subject. I never had the chance to finish basic education, but I had this unique opportunity. And, even before finishing the classes, I already got a lot of clients.”

Uganda’s YPG continues to transform lives, equipping participants with skills for a brighter future.