Millennium Business School (MBS) in Hoima needed new instructors, and through its partnership with Enabel, a group of young graduates were placed directly at the institution. They joined MBS under the Work Readiness Programme implemented through the WeWork – green and decent jobs for youth project, funded by the European Union and Belgium. Their first six months at the institution were fully supported, helping them transition smoothly from school to employment.   

For many of the graduates, this opportunity meant stepping into unfamiliar territory. Barbra Otai, for example, had never been to Hoima. She was shocked when she learned she would be relocating, but the principal encouraged her: “With work, you just have to move where the opportunities are.” Soon after arriving, Barbra and her colleague Ramathan Talemwa attended an andragogy training workshop organised by Enabel and Kyambogo University to prepare young graduates for TVET instruction. Kyambogo lecturers continued to visit MBS regularly, observing lessons, offering feedback, and helping the new instructors improve their teaching methods. 

Starting out was demanding. The young instructors had to develop lesson plans from scratch, guided by older colleagues who helped them understand the curriculum and syllabus requirements. The principal was fully involved, making sure they followed training standards. Even with strong support, the transition into teaching came with challenges they had not expected. 

One major issue was teaching mature learners. As Kefa Kirabo explained, many students are adults, sometimes the same age as their instructors, and this can affect discipline and respect. “This is not a secondary school, so you cannot punish them,” he said. “You just have to talk to them, but some still refuse to comply.” 

Language barriers added another challenge. Vocational training attracts learners with different educational backgrounds—some stopped at Primary Seven, others at Senior Four—and sometimes they take the same course. This means their levels of understanding vary widely, making it difficult to balance lessons. Still, the MBS administration has remained supportive, which has helped the instructors stay motivated. 

Barbra now encourages students to speak English in class. She believes language skills will help them secure jobs beyond Hoima. Seeing students succeed has become a major source of pride for the instructors. Kirabo recently met some of their former trainees doing internships at Le Confidential Hotel in Arua and Nile Hotel in Jinja, and the supervisors spoke highly of their performance. For him, moments like these prove that their teaching is making a difference. 

The young instructors were all given one-year-and-four-month contracts, structured so that their contracts end at the same time as those of the older instructors, who have two-year contracts. This model allows the school to renew all contracts at once. Even so, many of them are already thinking ahead in case their contracts are not renewed. Ramathan is trying to save and build a financial cushion. Barbra wants to open a restaurant one day so that she can balance work and family life. Caroline kabasingunzi already owns a pastry shop in Seeta, Kampala, which her cousin manages while she teaches. Ramathan hopes to open a boutique in the future and become self-employed.   

Education remains a priority for several of them. Kefa plans to start a bakery and upgrade his academic qualifications. He hopes to pursue a master’s degree in tourism and hospitality management at Kyambogo or Makerere University in August 2026. “More books come with more opportunities,” he said, although he is still working towards financial stability. Kevin also hopes to return to school for further studies. 

Each instructor at MBS has a unique story. Barbra, who teaches food and beverage service and hygiene, joined MBS in February 2025 after working as an events manager and restaurant supervisor. She had never envisioned becoming a teacher, but with support from colleagues, she settled in and grew to enjoy it. Caroline teaches housekeeping and store management. She knew the principal from her university days and joined after sending her CV and being invited for an interview. An introvert by nature, Caroline is still adjusting to teaching and hopes to eventually transition into wildlife management for a stable government job. 

Ramathan teaches cosmetology. Public speaking was a struggle at first, but over time he became more confident and now finds teaching enjoyable. Kevin Abuko teaches Swahili. She traveled from Soroti after being connected to MBS through Kyambogo University. She had never imagined teaching, but growing up around Arabic speakers helped her learn the language, and now she trains students preparing to work in hotels that serve guests from Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. With training and workshops, her confidence has grown, and she plans to continue her studies. 

Kefa teaches French, events management, and nutrition in the catering department. Recommended by a former lecturer, he joined MBS in February 2025 through the Work Readiness Programme. Teaching has helped him speak confidently in front of large groups, and he now finds the profession rewarding and enjoyable. 

At Millennium Business School, these young instructors are building careers, growing their skills, and shaping their futures. The journey has not been without difficulties, but with guidance from older instructors and support from the administration, they have been able to adapt. Most importantly, they take pride in seeing their students excel—knowing every lesson prepares someone for new opportunities.

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