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Ouganda
4th
July-2024-The closure event of the support
programme to the refugee settlements and host communities in Northern Uganda was
held in Arua city. The occasion marked the conclusion of a successful programme
implemented by Enabel, and the announcement of a new initiative aimed at
promoting green and decent jobs.
Tom Vanneste, the Country Director of
Enabel, shared insights into the programme extension that has been running from
December 2022 to November 2023. "The programme set out to skill youth,
refugees, and host communities in Northern Uganda. 73% of the trainees are now
self-employed," Vanneste said. He highlighted the impact of the project on
women, emphasizing their newfound financial independence. "I spoke to one
of the female beneficiaries who is proud to be earning her own money," he
added. Vanneste also announced a new project by Enabel, which will also be funded
by the European Union and will target more youth in the region. "Although
we are closing this project, we are also opening a new one that will target
more youth in the region," he said. The project will run for four years
and will focus on the youth that have already been skilled in the previous
project.
The Enabel project manager Charles Okot,
expressed optimism about the new project. "With the new WeWork project,
more youth will be reached, and we shall hit a higher target," he said.
Richard Sabiti, a catering graduate from
the project, shared his success story. After dropping out of school due to
financial constraints, he got a second chance through a catering training and
was retained by Le tsuba Hotel in Arua after his internship.
The
Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Uganda, Mr Guillaume Chartrain stated, "Today is not the end but a step towards the new
project that is coming to the region." He highlighted the European Union's
support for refugees and host communities and praised the project as a good
example of livelihood programs.
The event featured an exhibition where
beneficiaries displayed their products, including soaps, jellies, craft
materials, bags and clothes, among others. The EU representative encouraged participants
to support the beneficiaries by purchasing their products.
30% of the current refugee population in
Uganda are youth, meaning that focusing on the refugee youths is key. The
government of Uganda has an open door policy, permitting refugees to settle and
work in Uganda.
The deputy Resident City Commissioner of
Arua, Charles Ichogor praised the project's success and urged development partners to
continue with similar programs. "This project is one of its kind because
we have success stories live on the ground," he said.
The new WeWork project aims to support
private sector development, create more opportunities for youth, leverage
innovation and technology, and foster sustainable business growth. The project
is set to benefit the regions of Busoga, Rwenzori/Albertine and West Nile.
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