Rose Academies Uganda Update 

Our ongoing collaboration with Rose Academies Uganda has continued to positively impact the live of women and girls through the first half of 2024. Now under the purview of Soroptimist International Foundation, this programme has focused on empowering out-of-school youth through education and vocational skills training, providing them with valuable tools and opportunities needed to thrive.  

The journey so far been a dynamic and engaging experience, characterised by the enthusiastic commitment of both learners and project staff. In 2024, we have already witnessed substantial accomplishments at both individual and organisational levels, marking significant progress toward our shared goals and commitment. Earlier in the year, project participants and trainers were recruited, followed by the start of vocational skills courses. Alongside this, the programme provides a safe and inclusive learning environment for the young scholars where their accomplishments can be celebrated, contributing to greater self-esteem and motivation toward developing their skills.    

Baking  

The first of the vocational skills training courses to take place covered the fundamentals of baking. This part of the program has been designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in various aspects of baking. This includes: Hygiene and Sanitation, Food Preparation, Baking Theory and Terminology, Baking Techniques, Use of Equipment, Classifying Baking Functions and Use of Ingredients, as well as Teamwork and Presentation.  

By the end of the Baking courses, the participants have acquired comprehensive skills in producing, storing, and marketing baked products, including skills in customer service and pricing strategies, equipping them with hands-on practical and theoretical knowledge. They have cultivated the skills necessary to excel in the baking industry.  

Despite widespread success, the programme encountered several challenges that impacted the learning experience. Among these were lack of electricity, which hindered the introduction and use of electric baking equipment – however, we hope for the students to gain these skills during their internship period later in the year. Additionally, there were some issues with training infrastructure, which lacked adequate shaded areas for conducting practical sessions; frequent rainfall also disrupted scheduled outdoor activities, impeding some of the practical training.  

Though the focus moving forward will remain on refining the skills participants have developed so far, and preparing them for professional opportunities, the identified challenges highlight key areas to be addressed to enhance the overall learning experience for future cohorts.  

Tailoring 

Comprehensive training in tailoring was also provided, covering essential topics and practical skills, with key milestones being identified and celebrated throughout the course. Among the topics addressed were an introduction to tailoring, exploring key definitions, terminology, rules, and regulations; an overview of Tools and equipment, including practical sessions on how to use each piece of equipment; classes on how to use sewing machines; the use and properties of different fabrics; as well as garment construction.  

Computer Literacy  

Currently, the trainees have been focused on the computer literacy programme delivered as part of the project, which has explored different practical computer skills through hands-on training.  

This component of the vocational skills programme is particularly exciting as the importance of technological competencies is steadily growing in todays digital world; through the course, the girls are building foundational skills in computer literacy that will qualify them for further opportunities in their education and careers.  

Throughout April and May 2024, the course covered a range of practical computer skills, including: 

• Microsoft Word – the trainees learned how to open Microsoft Word, type, edit, and save documents; they also practiced creating folders and copying document rom the desktop or other locations to these folders  

• Hardware and System Maintenance – the trainees learned to identify different types of hardware components, including input and output devices; they also learned how to dismantle and reassemble the system unit, as well as how to connect the system units together to ensure proper functioning.  

Despite promising early progress, a few challenges have arisen that impeded the practical sessions. Among these, power shortages affected the ability to run the sessions effectively, with the project team relying on a generator provided by the landlord until electricity can be connected. Lack of printing facilities also hindered the ability to train the students on this device – however, the project staff were able to use a local printing service for demonstrations.  

Regardless, thus far, the programme has been successful in imparting essential computer skills to the girls, laying a strong foundation for further learning and development.  

Conclusions 

This partnership has achieved significant progress, with participants showing remarkable dedication and growth despite some challenges. The bakery program taught basic and advanced skills, empowering students to pursue food industry opportunities, while the tailoring program provided practical skills and knowledge of modern fashion, preparing participants for careers in fashion. Similarly, the computer literacy program equipped the girls with essential digital skills, laying the foundation for further education and career growth.  

Overall, this sponsorship has been instrumental in transforming the lives of these young women. The skills and knowledge they have acquired through these programs have not only enhanced their personal development but also opened doors to economic independence and improved quality of life.  As they continue to apply what they have learned, we anticipate they will serve as inspiring role models and catalysts for change within their communities. 

Rose Academies Uganda have extended their heartfelt gratitude to Soroptimist International Foundation for supporting this project and empowering these young women. the progress so far has been incredible to witness and shows that together we are able to make significant strides toward a bright and equitable future. 

Further information:  

Soroptimist International Foundation is a Charitable Trust overseen by SI (Soroptimist International) Limited. Soroptimist International Foundation is currently managing legacies, Educating Women from War Torn Countries fund and the final projects of ‘Opening Doors to a Bright Future’ Appeal (now closed to donations). 

For further information or to make enquires regarding legacies, please email hq@soroptimistinternational.org 

Donations to Soroptimist International Foundation are gratefully received. 

An average of 34 UK pounds will provide a woman or girl with transformative training, funded by Soroptimist International Foundation.