Rukungiri – A total of 28 youths in Rukungiri Municipality have graduated with practical skills in salon and hairdressing, tailoring, computer studies and other vocational courses, as leaders called on them to use their training to fight unemployment and create opportunities for others.
The graduates completed their training at Nyakagyeme community training center where they were equipped with practical knowledge intended to help them secure employment or establish income-generating businesses.
The graduation ceremony attracted parents, trainers, local leaders and members of the community who gathered to celebrate the achievement of the trainees.
The courses included salon and hairdressing, tailoring and garment design, computer studies, knitting among others.
Speaking as the guest of honor, the Minister of gender, labor and socal development Gen. Henry Tumukunde who was represented by Ms Jackline Mbabazi, the state minister of older persons commended the institute for equipping young people with practical skills that can contribute to economic development.
Mr Tumukunde also urged the graduates not to depend entirely on formal employment, but instead use their skills to start businesses and create jobs.
He added that vocational education provides young people with an opportunity to acquire hands-on skills that can be applied directly in the workplace.
“Do not only look for jobs. Use the skills you have acquired to create opportunities for yourselves and others,” Gen Tumukunde told the graduates.
Ms Jackline Mbabazi, the state minister of older persons addressing masses at the graduation ceremony of Nyakagyeme community learning center. Photo by Ronald Kabanza.
On her part, Ms Jackline Mbabazi encouraged them to remain disciplined and hardworking as they begin their careers, saying success would depend not only on the certificates they had received but also on how effectively they applied their skills.
Minister Muhwezi at the graduation ceremony of Nyakagyeme community learning center. Photo by Ronald Kabanza.
Speaking at the same function, the minister of Security Rtd. Maj.Gen. Jim K muhwezi and the Rujumbura county member of Parliament urged graduates to maintain professionalism and good conduct in their workplaces.
He further encouraged them to continue upgrading their skills because technology and demands in the labour market are constantly changing.
The Rukungiri district LC5 Chairperson Mr Charles Andrewson Katebiire said vocational education gives young people practical alternatives at a time when formal employment opportunities remain limited.
Rukungiri district LC5 Chairperson Mr Charles Andrewson Katebiire at the 1st graduation ceremony of Nyakagyeme community learning center.Photo by Ronald Kabanza.
The ceremony marked an important milestone for the graduates, but speaker by speaker reminded them that receiving certificates is only the beginning of their professional journey.
They were challenged to turn their knowledge into productive ventures, create employment and contribute to household incomes.
The graduation has highlighted the growing importance of vocational education in Rukungiri as young people seek practical skills that can help them become self-reliant citizens.
Graduation pictures:
