By KT Reporter
The Minister for Higher Education, John C. Muyingo, has urged parents to encourage their children to pursue vocational training as a means of achieving Vision 2040.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony at Masaba College of Management and Professional Studies (MACOPS) in Busiu Town Council, Mbale District, on Sunday, Moses Musinga, who represented the minister, emphasized that the economies of the G6 countries are growing rapidly due to vocational courses.
Musinga pointed out that in Uganda, there is a negative perception that vocational courses are for students who perform poorly in class. However, he stressed that the country is now focusing on people who can create jobs and employ others, rather than those who only seek employment.
Robert Wandwasi, the Member of Parliament for Bungokho Central in Mbale District, who is also the Director of Masaba College of Management and Professional Studies (MACOPS), explained that the purpose of establishing the vocational school was to address the issue of school dropouts.
Wandwasi shared that many young girls in Mbale and surrounding areas dropped out of school during the COVID-19 pandemic after becoming pregnant. He offered them the opportunity to study freely at his institute to continue their education.
Emmanuel Dombo, the head of communications at the National Resistance Movement (NRM), urged the graduates to utilize government programs like Emyooga and the Parish Model as capital to become self-employed and contribute to the country’s development.
Graduates Anna Nandutu and Sarah Mukisa expressed their joy at completing their studies. They shared that after becoming pregnant during the COVID-19 outbreak, they thought their lives had ended. However, now they feel empowered to start their own businesses.
A total of 160 students graduated in various vocational fields, including tailoring, building, and secretarial studies, at the diploma and certificate levels.
Graduates Sarah Namboba and Suzan Wandeka, who completed courses in catering, also expressed their excitement about graduating. They stated their plans to start their own businesses and employ others. They called on the government to provide capital to help them launch their ventures-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
