PARTNERSHIP WITH RESULTS: ‘IT’S HEARTWARMING TO SEE THE PROGRESS OF OUR STUDENTS’

Near the source of the Nile River, in Njeru near Jinja, Uganda, Gered Gereedschap is working with the Nile Vocational Institute (NVI) to enhance and professionalize vocational education. This partnership, which began in 2022, has already made significant progress in training young people who otherwise would not have the opportunity for quality vocational training. We spoke with Opolot Isaac, the Deputy Director and Exam Coordinator at NVI, about the impact of this collaboration.

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The History of Nile Vocational Institute

Nile Vocational Institute was founded in 1988 by the African Evangelistic Enterprise, in collaboration with the German government. Since then, the institution has provided hundreds of young people with the opportunity to pursue vocational training, often those unable to access formal higher education. “Our mission is to holistically transform the lives of young people through evangelism and skill training,” explains Opolot.

NVI has established itself as a center of vocational excellence in Africa and has long been recognized as one of the best private vocational education institutions in Uganda. It offers a wide range of programs, including National Certificates in Building, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Plumbing, Automotive Engineering, Welding, Woodworking, and Fashion Design. “We offer both formal and non-formal training, focusing on vulnerable groups in society,” Opolot adds.

Collaboration with Gered Gereedschap

Gered Gereedschap began supporting NVI in 2022 and has since made significant contributions in various areas. This includes equipping workshops with tools and machines, training teachers, refining the curriculum, securing internships, and facilitating scholarships. “In the first phase, we focused on woodworking and metalworking disciplines,” says Opolot. “The second phase, which we are currently working on, focuses on Fashion & Design and Electrical Engineering.”

The scholarships are specifically aimed at vulnerable students from financially challenged families and have helped reduce dropout rates. “It is heartwarming to see our students now having the opportunity to pursue their dreams,” Opolot proudly states.

Impact on Education

One of the most remarkable outcomes of this partnership is the improved learning opportunities for students. Gered Gereedschap has helped significantly improve the student-to-tool ratio. Where previously five students had to share one tool, it has now been reduced to one-to-one, especially in courses like Fashion Design. This has greatly enhanced students’ practical training.

Additionally, NVI has benefited from capacity-building for instructors, enabling them to adopt modern teaching techniques, including ICT support. “These trainings were crucial. They helped our teachers deliver more effective lessons,” explains Opolot. “Feedback from the internship placements where our students worked shows that they have improved the quality of their work, and many have even been hired.”

Outlook and Future Plans

As the second phase of the partnership comes to a close, Opolot reflects on the impact made. “It has been a successful collaboration, and we are grateful for Gered Gereedschap’s support. The starter kits provided to graduates have prepared them well for the job market.”

The collaboration with Gered Gereedschap has not only increased opportunities for young people but also contributed to the development of the local economy. “We intend to continue this partnership and help even more young people build a better future,” Opolot concludes.