‘PRIME VOCATIONAL INSTITUTE THRIVES THANKS TO EQUIP PROGRAM’

In Iganga, Uganda, stands the Prime Vocational Institute (PVI). Founded in 2012, the institute has focused over the years on providing practical education in various fields. Michael Bazira, the school’s director, speaks about the positive changes resulting from the collaboration with Gered Gereedschap.

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“‘For several years, we have been working with Gered Gereedschap in the EQUIP program. This has had a positive impact on our school. We are now much better able to produce broadly skilled professionals for the job market. One of the most important aspects of the collaboration is the equipment for our workshops. We have received tools and machines from Gered Gereedschap, allowing us to train with relevant and modern tools. We couldn’t have done this without this partnership: the equipment was simply too expensive. Our students come from poor families, and we try to keep tuition fees low. As a result, we do not have enough income to purchase these tools and machines.”

Impact on students’ lives

“Another important aspect of the collaboration was the scholarships. These have had a significant impact on our students’ lives. One of them, who lost his mother and had little hope of returning to school, shares how EQUIP changed his life. Returning to school was difficult, but EQUIP gave him new hope. What also helps is that we can now provide starter kits to graduates. Now they have the basic tools they need to get started.”

Adjustment of the curriculum

“We have also been able to adjust the curriculum to better match market needs after thorough market research. In addition, we have trained teachers in technical skills and pedagogy. This allows us to better transfer this knowledge and these skills to students during theory and practical sessions.”

WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED?

Professionalized the Woodworking and Metalworking departments at Prime Vocational Institute, equipped workshops with tools and machinery, trained teachers, provided scholarships to underprivileged youth, provided starter toolkits or sewing machines to graduating students.

OTHER DETAILS

Iganga, Uganda
Learning
Broad support, diverse building blocks
Field of work: Woodworking and Metalworking

PERSONAL STORIES

Leraren, studenten, schoolhoofden vertellen hun persoonlijke ervaringen.

‘THIS IS MY DREAM COURSE!’

Alesi Gloria, Metalworking/Welding Student

“When I started my welding course at Prime Vocational Institute, I had never touched a welding machine before. Now I’m in my second year and I enjoy working on different projects. Thanks to Gered Gereedschap’s EQUIP program, I received a scholarship as well as new tools and machines. My future plan? To become a teacher and inspire girls to choose this field as well.”

‘FROM SCHOLARSHIPS TO STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT, WE ARE EQUIPPING YOUTH WITH THE SKILLS THEY NEED!’

Michael Bazira, Director

“At Prime Vocational Institute, we are working with Gered Gereedschap to tackle youth unemployment in Uganda. Thanks to their support, 35 students from poor families can now pursue an education. With new tools and machines, we are providing them with high-quality, practical education. This is life-changing!”

‘OUR STUDENTS NOW HAVE THE PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE THEY NEED, THEIR FUTURE LOOKS PROMISING’

Aggrey Hasimo – Teacher

“Before Gered Gereedschap’s support, we faced significant challenges at Prime Vocational Institute. Without the right training resources, we couldn’t provide our students with the practical experience they needed. But now, with the tools and machines we have received, they are not only learning the theory but also making products like windows and doors. This gives them the experience that is essential for their professional development!”