UGANDA: Lira Diocese Reinstates Hope in the Youth through Productive Training Programs
Deacon Isaac Ojok
The existence of Institute for International Cooperation and Development (C&D) training center is restoring the rays of hope in the lives of the youth in Lira Diocese.
The Institute at Alito training center in Kole district was founded in 2016 under the development arm of Lira Diocese with cooperation from Non-Governmental Organizations and other development partners.
In collaboration with AVSI Foundation International under Skilling for Agri-preneurship for Increased Youth Employment (SAY) funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands (EKN), the operation of the center is aimed at skilling the youths to create jobs and self-employment in order to enhance productive life.
Recently, the Institute provided a four months training of 90 youths between the age group of 18-30 years given them the possibility of choosing among the 4 different module courses: Community Animal Health worker, Horticulture and Animal Traction, Tractor Operator and Maintenance, Poultry Production and Management.
After successful completion of the training, the youths were commissioned in a ceremony presided over by the Rt. Rev Joseph Franzelli, the Bishop-emeritus of Lira Diocese.
In his address to the beneficiaries, the Bishop noted that the existence of the Institute is transforming the place and lives of the people especially the youth from Lango sub region, although the area suffered the brunt of Lord’s Resistance Army rebels-LRA insurgency.
Bishop Franzelli further said he is grateful for the progress and development taking shape in the area after introducing the program aimed at equipping the youth with knowledge and skills in Agriculture. According to Bishop-emeritus Joseph Franzelli, the initiative is not only meant to initiate development but also to raise citizens who are productive and God fearing.
He also implored the beneficiaries to put their faith in to action, be sensitive to the needs of others especially the vulnerable people unable to live independently.
Meanwhile, the Country Director for Cooperation and Development International (C&D) Mr Lappo Giorgio urged the beneficiaries to remain responsible and use the skills acquired as a chance and opportunity to improve their lives.
Mr Lappo was grateful to Lira Diocese for initiating the establishment of the center and the cooperation from AVSI foundation, the local leadership, community that enabled the success of the programs being offered at the center.
Mr Ojok Joseph, the project coordinator Cooperation and Development (C&D) Alito training center revealed that the center is impacting the lives of the youth who are now self-reliant in the communities. He further disclosed that the center intends to reach out to many vulnerable youths in the region to empower them through marketable formal and non -formal courses the center is offering.
He commended the community in the area, the local leadership and the stake holders for being hospitable and supportive to the training center saying it is the reason behind the success.
Ms Fiona Anena from AVSI Foundation said they will continue to follow the beneficiaries of the project to ensure the knowledge acquired in Agri-preneurship is put in the right use in a move to create positive change in their lives.
After the training, the beneficiaries were awarded competent based certificates assessed by Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) in various courses and commissioned to explore their skills and be productive in the job markets.
End
