Rose Academies Uganda Vocational Skills Programme  

Building on the success of our collaboration with Rose Academies Uganda throughout 2022 and 2023, Soroptimist International Foundation is excited to announce the extension of this partnership which has seen out-of-school rural youth empowered through education and the development of key vocational skills. This project is being funded by Opening Doors to a Bright Future’ Appeal, which is managed by Soroptimist International Foundation. 

As an extension of the Opening Doors Appeal, this initiative has been key to providing out-of-school girls and young women with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive. Going forward, the programme aims to maintain its current momentum, using the additional funding provided by Soroptimist International Foundation to continue opening doors of opportunity for out of work young adults – encouraging entrepreneurship and economic enterprise, as well as to build strong communities far beyond the life of this project.  

Project Objectives: 2024 – 2025 

Since the renewal of this project at the start of 2024, Rose Academies have already made significant progress toward several of the project objectives; namely, the recruitment of participants and trainers, as well as the first of the vocational skills training courses, which will take place from February through to October 2024. In addition to equipping the participants with valuable and important skills, the vocational training will seek to provide the following key outcomes:  

• A safe and inclusive learning environment that is free from discrimination or harassment, promoting an atmosphere of respect and support among participants and instructors.  
• Recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of participants to boost their self-esteem and motivation to continue developing their skills.  
• Guidance and counselling services to address the emotional and psychological needs of the participants, particularly teenage mothers.  
• Awareness raising by engaging the local community, including parents and community leaders, to support the programme. 
• Establish peer support groups to create a sense of community and shared experiences among participants – helping to build confidence within a support network. 

With support from Soroptimist International Foundation, the recruitment phase sought young mothers and out-of-school girls, as well as persons living with disabilities across Gweri, Aukot, and Awaliwal Sub-counties. Girls were also recruited from among the cohort who had recently completed their primary education level during the previous year’s instalment of the Rose Academies Uganda Girls Scholarship Programme – as part of ‘Opening Doors to a Bright Future’. 

Over the next twelve months, the participants will be trained across a range of basic vocational skills in Computer Literacy, Baking, Tailoring, and Financial Literacy before graduating with a national certificate from the Directorate of Industrial training (DIT). This training will empower the participants with in-demand skills across their communities, enabling them to confidently pursue employment opportunities and create jobs amongst themselves.  

Rose Academies Project Update: Quarter 1, 2024 

The vocational skills training commenced on 17 February 2024; since then, three of the courses have been initiated and partially completed, including Tailoring, Computer Literacy, and Bakery Sessions – all of which have seen enthusiastic participation from the 23 girls currently on the programme.  

Combining practice and theory, the sessions are being conducted three times a week, allowing participants to balance their studies with household responsibilities. Moreover, the programme’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity is evident through its utilisation of both English and the local dialect during training, ensuring comprehensive understanding and effective skill acquisition. 

In a bid to further enhance the quality and scope of the training, Rose Academies have also forged strategic partnerships with two local training institutions: Joy Teso Bakery and Soroti Vocational Training Institute. These partnerships not only offer internship opportunities mid-year but also provide access to external course facilitators, enriching the learning experience for the participants. Additionally, the institutions have pledged their support in hosting the girls during the final national course evaluation (DIT exams).  

Central to the programme’s success has been the need for the support and engagement of parents. A pivotal induction meeting held on 27 January 2024, served as a platform to enlighten parents about the programme’s objectives and garner their support. The meeting secured pledges from parents to provide essential resources such as food and firewood, while some volunteered to prepare meals for the girls and teachers during study hours. In a testament to the programme’s impact, some parents have adjusted school timetables to accommodate their daughters’ participation, reflecting a community-wide commitment to education and empowerment. 

Looking to the Future – Challenges Ahead 

In the journey towards empowering young girls with essential vocational skills, the Rose Academies Uganda Vocational Skills Programme has encountered its share of challenges. Recruitment obstacles and logistical constraints have tested the programme’s resolve, prompting innovative solutions and adaptive measures. Yet, amidst these hurdles, the programme perseveres with unwavering determination and resilience. With each challenge overcome, the programme reaffirms its commitment to providing opportunities for vulnerable girls, fostering a brighter future for them and their communities. As the programme continues to evolve and adapt, it remains steadfast in its mission to equip young girls with the tools they need to succeed, ensuring that no obstacle stands in the way of their aspirations and dreams. 

Further information:   

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