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Enabel et le projet SYSALIM : un appui stratégique pour la filière lait en Mauritanie
Aminata KANE | 11/12/2025
Financé par l'Union européenne, le projet SYSALIM d'Enabel accompagne la Mauritanie pour structurer des systèmes alimentaires durables. La filière lait, pilier de l'économie pastorale du Hodh El Garbi et du Guidimakha, est au cœur de cette action pour renforcer la résilience des ménages.Un Cadre de Concertation réactivéPour optimiser l'organisation et la coordination de cette chaîne de valeur stratégique, Enabel a ciblé le Cadre de Concertation Régional de la Filière Lait. Jugé peu fonctionnel (réunions irrégulières, manque de transparence et d'un plan d'actions concerté), ce dispositif essentiel a été relancé.Une mission participative a permis de :Réaliser un diagnostic des acteurs et des contraintes.Actualiser la cartographie des parties prenantes.Réorganiser la structure (nouvelle présidence, secrétariat technique, commissions).Co-construire un Plan d'action et un calendrier de travail partagé.Cette démarche a permis de restaurer la collaboration et d'installer un cadre de gouvernance plus clair et durableentre les acteurs publics, privés et communautaires.Impact : Vers des systèmes plus résilientsEn renforçant la gouvernance territoriale de cette chaîne de valeur, SYSALIM contribue directement à :Soutenir la prise de décision collective.Créer des opportunités économiques pour les agro-pasteurs.Le projet poursuit ainsi son objectif : accompagner la Mauritanie vers des systèmes alimentaires structurés et résilients au service des populations vulnérables.
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Ukraine: Enabel strengthens support for the Chernihiv Regional Blood Centre
Taisiia DRUZIUK | 11/12/2025
On December 4 2025, Enabel signed a memorandum marking the start of repair works in one of Chernihiv’s key medical facilities, Chernihiv Regional Blood Centre.Nearly €2 million for the major renovation and thermomodernisation of the 2,000 sq. m building has been allocated from the BE-Relieve programme budget.The Blood Center has also received a minibus for mobile blood collection from Enabel. The facility’s team will use this vehicle to engage blood donors in the Chernihiv and Sumy regions.Dirk Deprez, Enabel Country Director in Ukraine: “When I first visited the Blood Center, I was deeply moved learning that the facility’s staff never stopped working even during the first weeks of the full-scale invasion.That visit convinced me that we should respond to the Ministry of Health’s request to contribute to the development of Ukraine’s blood system and support the modernisation of this facility. Rebuilding the Center to modern standards is not just a technical solution, but also a step toward European integration.”Viacheslav Chaus, Head of Chernihiv Regional Military Administration:“This will be a completely different facility, very modern. Enabel has taken into account all the Center staff’s wishes regarding the renovation. We also agreed to upgrade the equipment and create opportunities for professional development of the specialists.”The building renovation and bus purchase are part of comprehensive support from Enabel. Earlier, we announced our partnership with the Red Cross Flanders, which includes training and procurement of new medical equipment.
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Ukraine: Belgium joins the Shelter Coalition, with Enabel as an implementing partner
Taisiia DRUZIUK | 11/12/2025
The Shelter Coalition is a new initiative designed to support Ukraine’s transition from ad-hoc shelters to a country-wide network. The Coalition brings together Finland, the European Union, Lithuania, Belgium, Ireland, Sweden, as well as the EIB and the World Bank.The inaugural meeting took place on November 27 2025 in the presence of the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yuliia Svyrydenko, who emphasised the importance of protecting civilian lives.The Shelter Coalition will work alongside Ukrainian authorities to map needs, design inclusive and accessible shelters, and mobilise financing. A key focus will be the construction and rehabilitation of dual-use shelters – facilities that function as schools, healthcare facilities, or community spaces during peacetime. Priority will go to communities closest to the frontline and heavily targeted regions.Enabel, alongside CPVA (Lithuania), will serve as the main implementing partners for construction under the EU-funded component.Luc Jacobs, Ambassador of Belgium to Ukraine: "The Coalition will allow us to join a broader initiative, amplifying our impact on the ground. This is a continuing effort: through Enabel, we have already been constructing new shelters for schools in the communities of Novi Petrivtsi, Shevchenkove, and Baryshivka, and rehabilitating three existing shelters."The Shelter Coalition is designed to support the roll-out of Ukraine's Strategy for the Development of the Fund of Civil Protection Structures up to 2034, led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Emergency Service.Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine: "The Coalition is not only about financial support. It is about pooling technologies, engineering solutions, and the experience of democratic states that have been investing in the resilience of their infrastructure for decades. Together, we are doing what really matters: protecting people and showing the world that unity is stronger than terror."
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Enabel and Lugogo Vocational Training Institute host skills competition to promote TVET in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 11/12/2025
Enabel, in partnership with Lugogo Vocational Training Institute (VTI), hosted a Vocational Skills Competition in Kampala under the theme “Choose vocational education: Get skilled and be unstoppable.” The event formed part of a broader national effort to expand access to skills development, strengthen the visibility of technical training, and challenge perceptions that have historically undermined participation, particularly among young women and marginalised groups. The competition was designed to rebuild public confidence in technical and vocational education by showcasing the professional opportunities available within the sector. It also aimed to mobilise parents and communities to encourage young people in pursuing vocational pathways that lead to stable employment, sustainable livelihoods, and social mobility. Despite a strong national demand for skilled labour, vocational education is still widely undervalued and often viewed as a last resort rather than a viable and respected career option. Speaking at the event, Senior TVET Officer at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Innocent Kemigisha, called for an end to the belief that vocational training is only for academic underperformers. “We must break away from the misconception that TVET is a path for failures,” she stated. Citing global examples from Japan, Belgium, the United States, and South Korea, Innocent Kemigisha said that countries that invest in vocational training consistently achieve sustained industrial and economic growth. “Technical and vocational education equips learners with practical, marketable skills that drive meaningful employment and national development,” added Kemigisha. Emmanuel Kisangala, Project Manager for Enabel’s WeWork Project in the Kampala metropolitan area, emphasised the strategic role of vocational careers in innovation and job creation. “Uganda cannot afford to let stereotypes and gender biases hold young people back from opportunities in high-demand fields,” he said. Kisangala stressed that skills competitions play a vital role in restoring public trust in TVET and in encouraging youth to pursue emerging careers. “We want young people to see the potential in trades linked to renewable energy, green technologies, and other fast-growing sectors,” he noted. He further appealed to parents and guardians to encourage their children to acquire critical practical skills that Uganda urgently needs, including plumbing, electrical installation, metal fabrication, carpentry, construction, and renewable-energy systems. The Chief Head Trainer at Lugogo Vocational Training Institute, Wilson Muhammia, said the institute remains committed to delivering high-quality, competency-based training that responds to labour-market needs. “This event was designed to inspire youth, parents, and communities to embrace vocational education as a powerful tool against unemployment and poverty,” he said. Since June 2024, when the partnership between Enabel and Lugogo VTI started, the institute has undergone major institutional strengthening to position it as a model centre of vocational excellence. The staff had their teaching skills enhanced through targeted training in artificial intelligence, information and communications technology, and gender-responsive teaching and workplace practices. “The institute has also acquired skills for conducting trainee tracer studies, improving competence-based training delivery, and implementing a new joint strategic plan to drive long-term performance and sustainability,” said Wilson. The Skills Competition offered trainees a dynamic platform to demonstrate their abilities in real time, emphasising the transformative potential of vocational training in developing Uganda’s skilled workforce. Outstanding performers were recognised in woodwork technology, electrical installation systems and management, and the building and construction sectors. This year’s competition aligned closely with ongoing national reforms, including the rollout of the new TVET Act in March 2025, which seeks to elevate vocational training to industrial standards and position TVET at the centre of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. As Uganda moves toward industrialisation and expands its green and innovation-driven sectors, investment in high-quality TVET will remain essential. The competition demonstrated that when young people, parents, institutions, and communities champion skills development, Uganda builds a stronger workforce, enhances productivity, and accelerates economic transformation.
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Ukraine: Enabel partners with Constructiv to empower construction experts
Taisiia DRUZIUK | 11/12/2025
Enabel partners with Constructiv to train members of the Ukrainian construction industry in general safety and asbestos removal.In November 2025, representatives from Ukrainian trade unions and employers, together with Enabel infrastructure experts, travelled to Brussels for a certified course on general safety and asbestos removal. The 5-day programme covered topics essential for Ukraine’s reconstruction and post-bombing debris management:Basic construction site safetyAsbestos removal: reducing the risks of contamination and fiber dispersionCircular economy and reconstructionWorking at heightSocial dialogue in the construction sectorSvitlana Strokach, Enabel Infrastructure Expert: "When working with carcinogenic materials like asbestos, there can be no compromises – only clear procedures, proper exposure control, and strict discipline. The same applies to working at heights, where even a small mistake can come at a high cost.This exchange with Belgian experts has become an important benchmark and will help us strengthen workplace safety in Ukraine in line with leading European practices." Bruno Vandewijngaert, CEO of Constructiv: "As a sectoral fund, Constructiv has developed recognised technical expertise in training for construction trades, skills management, as well as safety and well-being on construction sites.Through this initiative, we share not only our know-how but also our model of social dialogue. The reconstruction of a country does not rely solely on technical mastery, but also on the fundamental values of solidarity, respect, and dialogue among industry stakeholders."
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Ukraine: Enabel and Red Cross-Flanders will help Ukraine strengthen its blood system
Taisiia DRUZIUK | 11/12/2025
Since Russia's full-scale invasion on Ukraine, blood demand has increased by over 40%, with multiple facilities damaged and destroyed. On November 19 2025, Enabel signed a €2 million grant agreement with Red Cross-Flanders to facilitate the modernisation of Ukraine's blood transfusion network.Red Cross Flanders’ expertise will be used to align the Ukrainian blood system with European quality and safety standards. The organisation will contribute to strengthening quality control, traceability and modernisation of blood processing in Ukraine. They will also use their expertise to scale up recruitment of voluntary donations.The grant support will cover the alignment of the Chernihiv Blood Centre with the EU standards, including the procurement of modern equipment and the training of Ukrainian specialists. The Centre, which serves the Chernihiv region and the neighbouring Sumy region, is crucial for the entire northeast of the country.Yaroslav Melnyk, Ambassador of Ukraine to Belgium: "The contribution of our Belgian partners saves lives and lays the foundation for a more modern and secure healthcare system."Jean Van Wetter, Enabel CEO: "This knowledge exchange is incredibly important for all parties as long as the war lasts, but I am convinced that our cooperation will also be useful in the future and in other contexts."
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Deborah turns wood and bamboo into opportunity in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 11/12/2025
In a small carpentry workshop in Rwengoma A, Western division-Fort Portal, Deborah Tuhaise, a young woman works confidently, polishing furniture. Carpentry is more than just work for her — it is how she rebuilt her life and proved that women can succeed in any trade. Deborah grew up watching her father make furniture. As a child, she loved spending time in his workshop, playing with small pieces of wood, and making simple items. During the school holidays, she helped with sanding and varnishing. Her father noticed her talent and began instructing and guiding her on how to get better. Just after completing Senior Four, Deborah’s life took a painful turn. She became pregnant due to assault by someone she knew. “It was very hard,” she says. “I didn’t know how to tell my parents, but I knew I had to survive and care for my baby.” To earn an income, Deborah started making small crafts from wood and banana fibres. Her father kept encouraging her, and slowly she regained confidence. One day, she met a Tanzanian carpenter who taught her advanced carving techniques. Deborah learned quickly and began making bigger furniture items like beds, chairs, and cupboards. Her skills became noticeable and earned her a place on a team that made the ‘Empaako’ monument in Fort Portal — a symbol of Toro’s cultural pride. Working in a male-dominated trade has not been easy for Deborah. She has dealt with some clients who doubted her abilities, while others refused to pay for finished products. “People used to ask me if I could really do the work,” she says with a smile. “But after seeing the results, they began respecting me.” Her big break came when she received training through Enabel’s Support to Skilling Uganda project. Through the training, she earned a certificate in carpentry. “That certificate gave me confidence,” she says. “It helped me get more jobs and I even started training other people, which has helped increase my earnings.” Today, Deborah is not just an artisan — she is a trainer and mentor. She teaches other young women, especially single mothers, how to sand, carve, and finish furniture. “Most of them come with no experience,” she says. “But after some months, they can make and sell their own products.” Recently, Deborah started working with bamboo after learning about it at a crafts exhibition. She makes flower vases, lampshades, and mats by mixing bamboo with banana fibres. “Bamboo is easy to grow and very sustainable,” she explains. “It’s good for women who want to work from home.” Her journey has not been without setbacks. Two fires destroyed her workshop and tools, but she was able to rebuild her business on both occasions. Deborah works independently alongside her father and brother in their shared workshop. She dreams of opening a women’s craft centre where single mothers can learn, make, and sell their products. “I was once a struggling mother,” she says. “Now I want to help others stand on their own.” Enabel is currently implementing the WeWork-green and decent jobs for youth project, which was born after the success of the Support to Skilling Uganda project. Through the WeWork project, Enabel ‘s objective is to ensure that young people especially young women acquire skills and find decent jobs, or entrepreneurship opportunities in agriculture and the green and sustainable economy.
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RDC -16 jours d’Activisme : Des actions concrètes pour faire reculer les violences sexuelles et basées sur le genre
Doudou-bienvenu KAJANGU | 11/12/2025
Du 25 novembre au 10 décembre 2025, Enabel et ses partenaires se sont pleinement mobilisés dans les provinces d’intervention du Projet LVSI (Lutte contre les Violences Sexuelles et l’Impunité) en RDC pour marquer la campagne annuelle des 16 jours d’activisme contre les violences faites à l’égard des femmes et des filles. Dans les écoles, les communautés, et les milieux professionnels, les activités ont permis de renforcer la sensibilisation, le plaidoyer et la mobilisation collective autour d’un objectif commun : mettre fin aux violences basées sur le genre (VBG). Kinshasa : vers une meilleure prise en charge des survivantesÀ Kinshasa, la campagne a été l’occasion de consolider la réponse institutionnelle aux violences sexuelles. Un atelier d’échanges a été organisé à l’hôpital Bondeko à l’intention des prestataires de soins, axé sur la prise en charge psycho-médicale des survivantes et l’utilisation des outils de collecte et de rapportage des données VBG. Cette activité s’inscrit dans une dynamique de collaboration entre plusieurs acteurs, dont le Bureau Central de la Zone de Santé de Limeté, l'Hôpital Saint-Joseph, l'Hôpital Bondeko, EUP FASS KC (Etablissement d’Utilité Publique, Fonds d’Achats de services de santé) la Division urbaine des affaires sociales et celle du Genre ainsi que le Cabinet d'Avocats KS, dans le cadre du projet BOBATELEMI, pour renforcer la coordination multisectorielle. En parallèle, plus de 20 écoles partenaires du projet LVSI à Kinshasa ont bénéficié d’activités de mise à niveau des membres des comités des clubs ADODEV, à travers l’ASSONEPA, afin de sensibiliser les élèves sur les VBG et les droits sexuels et reproductifs.À Isangi (Tshopo), les femmes professionnelles en première ligneSous le thème local « Les VBG et les inégalités à Isangi à l'ère du Numérique : S’unir pour la Protection, la lutte contre les VBG et la promotion des droits des Femmes en milieu professionnel », une séance de renforcement des capacités a réuni 40 femmes issues de divers milieux professionnels du Territoire d’Isangi. L’objectif : comprendre les enjeux liés à la violence numérique, initier des actions de plaidoyer collectif et promouvoir les bonnes pratiques liées à l’utilisation du numérique. À l’issue de la session, une conférence multipartite a permis de structurer les réflexions en trois axes majeurs : un plaidoyer pour le renforcement juridique, la protection des femmes au travail et l’engagement collectif des femmes elles-mêmes. « Depuis toujours, on ne nous parle que de nos devoirs : la femme doit faire ci, doit faire ça... Mais on oublie trop souvent que la femme a aussi des droits, notamment dans le milieu professionnel » a lancé une des participantes au sortir de l’atelier. Kisangani (Tshopo) : jeunes et experts réunis contre les VBG numériquesÀ Kisangani, une conférence a rassemblé des jeunes, organisations de la Société civile et autorités sur la prévention des violences numériques et lutte contre les VBG autour du thème : « Accès à la justice pour les victimes : défis, opportunités et innovations ». L’événement a été marqué par la forte implication des jeunes, notamment ceux du réseau U-Report, une plate-forme sociale développée par UNICEF, et par la présence d’experts du ministère du Genre, d’Enabel et de l’ONG des droits humains ACAT (Action des Chrétiens pour l'abolition de la torture). Les discussions basées également sur le thème de la Journée Internationale des droits de l’Homme, ont mis en lumière les obstacles persistants à l’accès à la justice pour les victimes de violences, tout en explorant les solutions innovantes, notamment en lien avec le numérique. Une dynamique collective qui se renforcePartout où le Projet LVSI intervient, ces 16 jours ont été l’occasion de fédérer énergies et compétences pour faire avancer les droits des femmes et promouvoir l’égalité des sexes. La diversité des approches, des cibles (autour de 1500 personnes sensibilisées) et des espaces d’intervention témoigne d’une volonté partagée d’agir durablement contre toutes les formes de violences, y compris celles qui émergent dans les sphères numériques. Enabel poursuit cet engagement à travers tous ses projets, en collaboration avec les autorités locales, les partenaires sociaux et les communautés.Doudou Kajangu
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Faisal grows his samosa business in Uganda with confidence
Jovia KAVULU | 11/12/2025
Faisal Nyakana, 31, grew up between Kampala and Fort Portal. After completing Senior Four, he returned to Kampala, but life was difficult. “I was just walking around looking for a job,” he recalls. “I didn’t even mind cleaning, but I couldn’t find anything.” Eventually, he found work loading and offloading trucks, earning just UGX 5,000 (1.2 euros) per day. He did this for three years, but making ends meet remained a struggle. When his father sold land in Fort Portal and started a family samosa business in Bundibugyo, Faisal returned home to help drive the delivery vehicle. The family made 1,000 samosas a day, selling each at UGX 500 (0.12 euros), and every batch sold out. When they were forced to close their business due to COVID-19 lockdown measures, the family settled back in Fort Portal. After some months had passed, Faisal heard a radio announcement inviting youth to apply for a hospitality training opportunity. He filled out the forms and joined hundreds of applicants, all competing for only 30 slots. “I was scared when I saw how educated some people were,” he says. “I didn’t think I had a chance.” After passing the first interview, he faced a second one he believed he had failed. While waiting for results, Faisal encouraged the others: “This is not the end of life,” he told them. “If we don’t go through, let’s start our own businesses. We can do anything as long as we are committed.” Unbeknown to him, some interviewers overheard his positivity and leadership. They were impressed and selected him among the final 30 trainees. From that moment, his life changed. The youth were checked into a guest house with meals catered for. “We ate good food sponsored by Enabel, and I started living a good life,” he says. They trained at Kayla Courts Hotel — one month of theory and three months of practical lessons. He earned a certificate and gained important professional skills, especially in customer care. Afterward, he was placed for an internship at Kayla Courts, rotating through different departments: housekeeping, reception, room service, and the bar. His performance stood out. He was retained as a full-time waiter and eventually worked across several departments. “I wanted to excel so I could get tips. I even taught other trainees what I had learned,” he says. While working at Kayla Courts, Faisal got married but soon realised his salary of UGX 300,000 (73 euro) a month was not enough. He decided to return to Kampala, got temporary work in a hotel, and began saving. With help from his mother, he restarted making samosas — but this time on his own terms. The first week was tough. He hawked 100 samosas on the streets of Fort Portal and sold almost nothing. “We ate most of the samosas we made,” he laughs. But he refused to give up. One day, everything changed — he sold out all 100 samosas. The next day, he made 200, and again, they all got sold. He quickly became known for his product. “Whoever tastes my samosas has to buy them,” he says proudly. People admired his cleanliness, packaging, and the smile he served them with. Soon, he was selling 400 samosas a day, including regular orders to businesses like Infectious Disease Institute and Centenary Bank. He now runs a WhatsApp group for his customers where he shares daily updates and takes orders. Faisal says everything goes back to the skills and confidence he gained through the Enabel training. “I learnt how to treat customers and respect them because they are my bosses,” he explains. “I was taught to be confident, honest, and to set high standards — and keep them.” He pays his mother UGX 10,000 (2.4 euro) a day to wrap samosas. He now earns what he once did in a month at the hotel in just two weeks, and he is able to take good care of his 2 children. “Right now, no one can hire me,” he says with a smile. “Hospitality is a big thing. When you have class, class attracts class.” Faisal dreams of opening his own restaurant — Faisal One Restaurant — with his mother as the chef. Until he can afford rent, he is already marketing the brand. “My plan is excellent customer care because that is key,” he says. He refuses to sell food he is not proud of: “If we make a mistake in the samosas, we would rather eat them ourselves than disappoint a customer.” His advice to young people is simple: “As you support those rich footballers, do it while you are working and earning. The more you watch football while doing nothing, the poorer you become.” Today, Faisal continues to share his knowledge freely with others in Fort Portal because of what he received through Enabel. “I got information for free, so I am ready to give it out freely and inspire others,” he says. Faisal was skilled under the Support to Skilling Uganda Programme, which led to the WeWork – green and decent jobs for youth project, implemented by Enabel and funded by the European Union and Belgium.
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Young graduates begin their teaching career at Millennium Business School in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 11/12/2025
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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Brenda switches from an aspiring teacher to a promising electrician in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 11/12/2025
Brenda Angeyo works as an assistant electrician at Albertine Water in Hoima, a company that manufactures and distributes mineral water in uganda. Brenda repairs machinery, maintains equipment, and installs new appliances. She enjoys her job because it challenges her and allows her to learn something new every day. There are two electricians on the technical team, and they live close to the factory so they can easily respond when emergencies arise. Brenda joined Albertine Water on 9th September 2024, but her path to the company began long before that. She was born in the Acholi region but grew up in Fort Portal. At 25, she admits she never imagined herself in the field of electricity. She originally wanted to become a teacher and only enrolled in the electrical course when an opportunity opened for her, a month before the first term ended. Over time, however, she discovered real interest in the work. “The course is good,” she said. “There is always something new to learn, but it is also very demanding because you can get an electric shock.” She recalls an incident while connecting a motor. “I had connected the cables very well, but when I was closing the fan cover, the wires came into contact and there was a spark.” Incidents like this taught her the importance of caution. She wears gloves and overalls provided by the company whenever she is working. Brenda studied at St. Joseph’s Vocational Institute, graduating in 2023 with a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering. Most of her classes were theory-based, so she had limited practical exposure at school. Internships helped bridge the gap: she had weekly practical lessons and placements lasting from one week to two months. She did two internships in Kasese and one in Fort Portal. Before joining St. Joseph’s, Brenda had almost given up on the idea of continuing her education because her father did not have the means to pay for it. She completed O-Level in 2021 and thought that was the end of her schooling. Then Enabel contacted her and offered sponsorship at St. Joseph’s, an opportunity she learned about through her father. After completing her course, she briefly worked in Kasese as a craft salesperson, selling handmade items to tourists. Five months later, she was invited by Enabel to attend a two-day soft skills workshop in Masindi with other young people, including some who had studied at St. Joseph’s. “We were taught how to conduct ourselves at work, how to be flexible and hardworking, how to communicate clearly, build confidence, relate well with colleagues, and work as a team.” She believes this training prepared her for workplace expectations and helped her settle in quickly. The soft skills training ended in July 2023, after which the youth were placed in different companies. Brenda was assigned to Albertine Water in September 2023. She had no problem moving from Fort Portal to Hoima and was placed alongside another trainee in mechanics. Her first contract was for six months, including three months on probation. When the contract ended, the company chose to retain her. A colleague gave management a positive report describing Brenda as hardworking, flexible, and eager to learn. The company needed an assistant electrician, and because Brenda was the only electrician among the youth who had gone through the soft skills programme, she was selected when Albertine Water contacted Enabel. Today, Brenda is proud of how far she has come. She recently encouraged her brothers and sister to apply for the Work Readiness Programme through the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, a partner of Enabel in implementing the programme under the WeWork – green and decent jobs for youth project, funded by the European Union and Belgium. “I am grateful that Enabel gave me this chance and changed my life,” she said. “I am now able to help my dad by sending him some money to get by.”
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Academic excellence and discipline open Sharon's doors into the workplace in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 11/12/2025
22-year-old Sharon Kahunde works as a records and information assistant at Bunyangabu Beekeepers Cooperative Society (BBC), where she has been employed since September 2024. Sharon comes from Fort Portal and holds a Certificate in Records and Information Management from Rosa Mystica Institute, where she studied for two years. She completed her exams in May 2024 and, like many fresh graduates, spent the next few months at home wondering what to do next. Her turning point came when she received a phone call from Enabel. The team was reaching out to fresh graduates through their former institutions, offering them a chance to join the Work Readiness Programme under the WeWork–green and decent jobs for youth project. Sharon felt fortunate. “I felt lucky that I was just called and didn’t have to look for a job myself,” she says. She filled in the application form they sent her and was later invited for a three-day training at Kyema Technical College in the Albertine region. The training focused on workplace behaviour, communication, and practical computer skills, which she remembers vividly because they were hands-on, and she was tested on what she learned. Two weeks after the training, Sharon and the other trainees were placed in different organisations. Four graduates were posted to BBC, but only two were retained—and Sharon was one of them. She believes her commitment and discipline helped her stand out. “I used to come to work every day and work diligently,” she recalls. Although excited, Sharon was initially worried about moving from Fort Portal to Bunyangabu because she had never lived away from home and did not know where she would stay. When she met the BBC manager and shared her concerns, he reassured her and gave her a tour of the premises. To her surprise, BBC had accommodation available, and she was offered a two-bedroom house within the premises at no cost. She only buys her own food and does not incur any rent or transport expenses, something she describes as a blessing. At BBC, Sharon works from Monday to Saturday managing the stores for honey and packaging materials. She records all honey received from production, issues stock to the packing room, and keeps track of everything brought to the premises, including wax and propolis. At the end of each month, she prepares a report showing what was received and what remains. She still records everything in books but also uses a laptop that BBC gave her when she was retained. She says this is part of the digitalisation process supported by Enabel under the WeWork project. She also handles ordering and verifying packaging materials and records them before issuing them out to staff. Sharon believes she was recommended for the programme because she was the best student in her Records and Information class. Only four students studied that course, and she emerged top, even receiving a prize for academic excellence. She also believes her good discipline made her teachers confident enough to put her forward. Her dedication continues to open doors. When TONADO, one of Enabel’s implementing partners that trains youth and women in beekeeping, set up an office at BBC and needed a bookkeeper, they hired Sharon and offered her a two-year contract starting December 2024. Outside work, Sharon is also a growing entrepreneur. She runs a boutique in Fort Portal city, selling clothes and shoes, and employs her cousin to manage it, along with her mobile money business—which she started while still in school and continues to operate. She also keeps pigs at her parents’ home, where she has three pigs and six piglets. The income from these businesses helps her cover costs and support her family. She saves money every month, preparing for life after her contract and looking forward to becoming self-employed one day. Sharon says her drive comes from her upbringing. Raised by a single mother in a humble home, she learned early the importance of working hard. She supports her siblings and pays school fees for her sister in Senior Two. “I don’t want to die poor,” she says. “I grew up in poverty and experienced it, and I don’t want that life.”
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Niger : former les soignants pour détecter plus tôt les troubles visuels et les maladies non transmissibles
Halissa HASSAN DAN AZOUMI | 11/12/2025
Les maladies non transmissibles (MNT) hypertension, diabète, maladies respiratoires ou cancers représentent aujourd’hui 75 % de la mortalité mondiale et devraient devenir, d’ici 2030, la première cause de décès en Afrique. Au Niger, leur prise en charge reste fragile : repérage tardif des signes d’alerte, accès limité aux soins spécialisés et système de référence encore insuffisant. Les troubles visuels constituent un autre défi majeur. Plus d’un milliard de personnes souffrent de déficiences visuelles dans le monde, et plus de 8 % des Nigériens de plus de 50 ans sont touchés par la cécité bilatérale, principalement due à la cataracte. Pour y répondre, l’OMS recommande de renforcer les soins oculaires primaires au niveau des centres de santé. La réponse d’Enabel Pour améliorer la détection et la prise en charge de ces pathologies, Enabel, en collaboration avec les Programmes nationaux des MNT et des Soins Oculaires, a formé 63 prestataires des districts de Gaya, Gothèye et Dioundiou du 25 au 28 novembre 2025 à Niamey. Les modules ont porté sur les principales MNT, les soins oculaires primaires, la référence/contre-référence, ainsi que des exercices pratiques. Les résultats sont encourageants : les scores moyens sont passés de 13 à 17 pour les MNT et de 11 à 16 pour les soins oculaires. Le taux de satisfaction des participants atteint 90 à 100 %. Perspectives Dans le cadre du projet PASS-Sutura, plusieurs actions renforceront ces acquis :diffusion des connaissances dans chaque centre de santé ;mise à disposition d’équipements essentiels d’ici fin 2025 ;affichage d’ordinogrammes actualisés ;intégration durable des soins oculaires, incluant la chirurgie programmée de la cataracte et la création d’unités de lunetterie à Gaya et Gothèye en 2026.En résumé, ces efforts contribuent à un accès renforcé à des soins intégrés et spécialisés, rapprochant les populations de la couverture sanitaire universelle et garantissant que personne ne soit laissé de côté.
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Ukraine: Enabel opens the first Bosch Junior Academy at Boryspil Vocational College
Taisiia DRUZIUK | 11/12/2025
On October 30th, the first Bosch Junior Academy in Ukraine opened in Boryspil — a modern learning hub where young people can master automotive diagnostics and repair using equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers.This joint project by Enabel and Bosch Ukraine, supported by Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science and the Kyiv Regional Military Administration, brings together education, business, and government.The goal is not just to teach, but to prepare specialists trained to European industry standards.“Bosch Junior Academy will help bring vocational training closer to labour market needs,” says Dirk Deprez, Enabel Country Director.The project kicked off with Bosch expert-led training sessions for 18 vocational instructors from four schools who are now passing on their knowledge to students. The first lab, equipped with Bosch technology with support from Enabel, is now operating at Boryspil Vocational College. The project also offers opportunities for internships within the Bosch Car Service network.
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Rachel, la voix des jeunes contre les violences numériques à Mbuji-Mayi (RDC)
Doudou-bienvenu KAJANGU | 10/12/2025
Une journée d’engagement sous le soleil de Mbuji-MayiCe matin-là, sous un soleil éclatant à Mbuji-Mayi, Rachel NGALULA, jeune pair éducatrice, s’apprête à remplir une mission qui lui tient à cœur. Formée par le Programme National pour la Santé de l’Adolescent (PNSA), elle fait partie de cette jeunesse congolaise consciente et engagée, décidée à agir pour informer et protéger ses pairs. Membre active du réseau de pairs éducateurs soutenu par le projet LVSI (Lutte contre les Violences Sexuelles et l’Impunité) de Enabel, Rachel s’est donné une mission ambitieuse : sensibiliser le plus grand nombre de jeunes élèves à l’occasion des 16 jours d’activisme contre les violences faites aux femmes et aux filles. Une campagne qu’elle transforme en véritable levier d’action, en animant des séances de sensibilisation dans les écoles de Mbuji-Mayi.Des écoles comme terrain d’actionAccompagnée de ses cinq coéquipiers et de leur encadreur du PNSA, Rachel a visité une dizaine d’écoles sur l’axe Kanshi. Dans les cours et les salles de classe de l’Institut MBUJIMAYI et de l’IPRO MAKALA 2, Rachel trouve des regards curieux, attentifs et parfois des visages familiers. Elle sait que le fait d’avoir presque le même âge que les élèves lui donne un avantage : elle parle leur langage. Avec assurance, elle aborde des sujets parfois sensibles qu’elle tire de sa boite à images et des flyers qu’elle distribue : les violences basées sur le genre et la santé sexuelle et reproductive. Mais en ce mois de décembre, sa mission prend une dimension nouvelle.Lever le voile sur les violences numériquesRachel aborde avec pédagogie des formes de violences peu visibles mais profondément destructrices : le cyberharcèlement, la diffusion non consentie de contenus intimes, l’usurpation d’identité, la propagation de rumeurs en ligne et l’exclusion numérique. Face à elle, les élèves écoutent, s’interrogent et réagissent. Certains partagent leurs expériences, d'autres posent des questions pertinentes. À l’Institut MBUJIMAYI 1 & 2, plusieurs filles ont exprimé leur inquiétude face à des situations vécues, tandis qu’à IPRO MAKALA 2, des garçons se sont montrés curieux et engagés dans la discussion à bâtons rompus.Quand les témoignages révèlent la gravité du phénomèneAu cours d’une des séances, un élève a raconté une histoire bouleversante : celle de sa voisine contrainte de quitter Mbuji-Mayi par honte après que son ex-petit ami a diffusé en ligne ses photos intimes. Il la faisait chanter pour qu’elle rembourse une somme d’argent, et après son refus, il a mis les images en ligne. Rachel et ses co-équipiers ont saisi ce témoignage comme une alerte sérieuse. Ils ont expliqué les recours possibles pour ce type de violence et l’importance d’en parler à un adulte de confiance ou à un service compétent.Une jeunesse informée, une génération protégéeEn fin de journée, Rachel ressent la fatigue, mais surtout la satisfaction du devoir accompli. Elle sait que les 300 jeunes qu'elle a réussi à sensibiliser dans les salles de classe est une victoire contre l’ignorance, la peur ou le silence. Grâce au soutien du projet LVSI, ces élèves comprennent mieux leurs droits, savent identifier les violences, y compris en ligne, et surtout, où et comment dénoncer et chercher de l’aide. Pour Rachel, cette journée n’est qu’une étape dans son engagement continu pour une société où les filles et les garçons grandissent en sécurité, informés et libres.Doudou Kajangu
