‘WE ARE PROUD OF WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED TOGETHER SO FAR’

In Iganga, Uganda, stands the Prime Vocational Institute (PVI). Founded in 2012, the institute has increasingly focused on providing hands-on education in various vocational fields. In an interview with Harriet Kwebwawera, the head of the school, we discuss the positive changes that have resulted from the collaboration with Gered Gereedschap, which was made possible with the support of ASML Foundation.

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Harriet begins by sharing the background of Prime Vocational Institute. “Our institute was established in response to the high dropout rate in the Busoga Sub-region. Many young people cannot afford school fees due to poverty and other challenges. We want to give them the opportunity to develop skills that will help them find work and lead a better life,” she explains. PVI offers programs in various fields, including automotive technology, carpentry, fashion design, and electrical engineering, and focuses on both national and local certificate courses.

COLLABORATION WITH GERED GEREEDSCHAP

The collaboration with Gered Gereedschap has proven crucial to the success of the institute. Harriet emphasizes, “Gered Gereedschap has supported us in various ways, from providing scholarships to supplying tools and training our teachers.” So far, 105 students have benefited from the scholarships, which are specifically intended for disadvantaged youth. “These scholarships are life-changing for them. Without this support, they would not be able to pursue vocational education.”

IMPACT OF SCHOLARSHIPS

During the first phase of the collaboration, 35 students received a scholarship, most of whom studied metalworking and carpentry. In the second phase, which is now nearing completion, another 35 scholarships have been awarded. Harriet proudly states, “Of these students, 19 are in electrical engineering and 16 are in automotive technology. We have also selected another 35 students for the next phase, of which 13 are in construction and 22 in fashion design.” These scholarships give students the opportunity to develop skills that help them find jobs or even start their own businesses.

IMPROVED TRAINING METHODS

In addition to scholarships, Gered Gereedschap has also provided tools and equipment that are essential for practical training. “Previously, we had problems obtaining the right tools for our lessons,” Harriet says. “Thanks to the support from Gered Gereedschap, we now have high-quality tools that are hard to find in Uganda. This has greatly improved the quality of our training.”

Graduates also receive starter kits, allowing them to start working independently right away. Harriet adds, “These kits are of great importance. They enable our students to start their own businesses and build a life after their education.”

PROFESSIONALIZATION OF EDUCATION

The first phase of the collaboration focused on the fields of metalworking and carpentry, but now, in the second phase, the focus is on electrical engineering and motor vehicle technology. Part of this collaboration also involves refining the curriculum to meet local labor market demands. Harriet states, “We want to ensure that our students are well prepared for the needs of employers in the region.”

OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE

With the second phase of the collaboration nearing its end, Harriet looks ahead to the future with confidence. “We have already begun the third phase, focusing on new fields. The collaboration with Gered Gereedschap has not only helped us improve education, but it has also brought real change to the lives of our students.”