Kamuli, Uganda: Holidaymakers have been urged to use their school break productively by engaging in practical skills that can generate income and empower communities.
The call was made during a two-day training organised by the Visionary African Child Organisation (VACO), which equipped youths, parents and learners with hands-on skills in liquid soap production, bar soap making, shampoo, jelly, pesticides and charcoal briquettes.
The training, held at Kamuli Township Primary School in Kamuli Municipality, attracted more than 20 participants. VACO Executive Director Kirunda Jimmy said the initiative aims to build a generation of skilled young people capable of fighting poverty through enterprise.
“Our mission is to eradicate poverty in the communities, so if we train these young people, we are sure they can help us reach that mission,” he said. Kirunda urged participants to put their newly acquired knowledge to practical use and to consider skills as a pathway to financial independence and national development.
Trapex Enterprises Managing Director, Mr Nyenje Aloysius, who served as the chief trainer, encouraged parents to allow their children to spend their holiday meaningfully instead of idling at home.
He said the long school break provides an opportunity for learners to gain practical skills that can shape their future. “Youth, your time is now. Focus on the future. I also appeal to parents to make sure their children make this holiday useful,” Nyenje advised.
Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Nassiwa Hajara expressed gratitude to VACO for empowering them with life-changing skills. “We have learnt a lot. We thank VACO for training us. Now we have the knowledge of making liquid and bar soap, jelly, pesticides, charcoal briquettes and shampoo,” she said.
Uganda’s 2026 academic year begins on February 2, meaning primary and secondary learners will be home for close to two months. Organisations like VACO say this period should be used to build entrepreneurial capacity among young people, enabling them to contribute positively to their families and communities.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
