A group of Soroptimists from the Danish Soroptimist Union, together with a representative from SI Tororo, Mrs. Sophia Dorothy Angurah, recently visited the Rose Academies vocational training centre, where they received a warm welcome from teachers, parents, community members, and local leaders led by the sub county chief Mr. Malinga Coleniance Osire. This visit offered an opportunity to demonstrate the progress and achievements of the students involved in the Soroptimist Internati0nal Foundation project with Rose Academies Uganda, as well as the significant support of the wider community.
Our ongoing collaboration with Rose Academies Uganda has been improving the lives of women and girls throughout 2024 under the purview of Soroptimist International Foundation. The programme has been empowering out-of-school youth through education and vocational skills training, providing them with valuable tools and opportunities needed to thrive.
Highlights of the Visit
The visitors were warmly welcomed by the dedicated teachers, enthusiastic parents, community members, and respected local leaders, underscoring the strong community support for the vocational training centre. The welcome included a brief introduction to the centre’s mission, which emphasised its commitment to equipping young learners with essential practical skills in bakery, tailoring, and computer literacy, as well as showcasing the centre’s achievements and its role in fostering self-reliance and employability among students. Following the ceremony, the visitors were taken on a guided tour of the facilities. Led by teachers from each department, the tour provided an in-depth look at the various training areas, offering the guests a chance to observe the learning environment and the tools and resources that enable students to thrive.
Demonstrations and Progress Updates
The visitors were treated to an impressive demonstration of the students’ skills, showcasing the hands-on training and expertise developed at the vocational training centre. In the computer department, students displayed their knowledge of hardware by assembling computer components and explaining the functionality of each part, illustrating their technical proficiency. In the tailoring department, students presented their design and sewing talents, proudly displaying a range of completed garments. The tailoring students, now in the final stages of their training, had been preparing for their Directorate of Industrial Training exams scheduled for 13 November 2024. Their dedication to refining their skills and reviewing exam materials reflects both their hard work and the high standards upheld by their instructors.
The tour continued with an inspection of the bakery section, where the visitors explored a locally made oven and learned about its pivotal role in practical training. Bakery students showcased their freshly baked products, offering a glimpse into their baking process and the valuable skills they have gained. Having progressed to their internship phase, these students are now applying their classroom learning in a real-world setting at a local bakery. This hands-on experience has not only enhanced their confidence and industry knowledge but has also earned positive feedback from their placement supervisors, who have commended their strong foundational skills and eagerness to learn more. These demonstrations collectively underscored the centre’s role in preparing students for successful futures in their respective fields.
Conclusion
The visit to the vocational training centre was a great opportunity for the wider Soroptimist community to observe the remarkable progress and dedication of both the students and staff in fostering practical skills and community empowerment. From the engaging demonstrations to the impactful discussions, it is amazing to see the centre’s vital role in transforming lives and preparing young learners for a brighter 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.