Skills Training, Uganda
The Skills Training Project based in the Kampala region of Uganda works with young women aged 16-21 living in extremely deprived conditions. Many of the women are single mothers without the support of a parent or guardian.
The project gives these disadvantaged young women the skills and training they need to be able to lead productive and independent lives in their community. It includes practical and theoretical training as well as emotional support and counselling.
Many of the girls have low self-esteem and cannot read or write. They have often been rejected by their families and communities because of unplanned pregnancy. By the time they graduate from the training programme, the girls are able to read and write; a huge step towards being self-sufficient and confident.
"Many of the girls have low self-esteem and cannot read or write."
Rosemary is one of the girls supported by the project. Speaking about how the project has changed her life, she says, "I lost both my parents while growing up. I had no place to stay so I went back to my home village. Unfortunately I became pregnant and the father of my child denied me and my son, Ray. I moved to the city to try and get a job to provide for us. My son became sick and malnourished. I was referred to Skills Training Project where I received training in cookery, tailoring, literacy and life skills among others. I was not able to read and write and I was very shy. Ray could not interact well with other babies.
"I hope to set up a small restaurant back in my home village from which I will earn money to provide for my son."
I am now able to share my opinion with other people, able to write my name and Ray can interact with other babies and children. I am interested in cookery and I hope to set up a small restaurant back in my home village from which I will earn money to provide for my son."
The Skills Training Project is a fantastic place for young women to receive life changing training and support. We would love to increase the number of students we train each year, and hope to secure funds so we can hire the necessary staff and buy additional resources such as training equipment for this to happen.