A vocational skills programme in Arua City is helping teenage mothers and widows rebuild their lives by equipping them with practical skills, startup capital and renewed hope for economic independence.
The three-month apprenticeship programme, implemented by Community Empowerment for Inclusive Growth (CEIG) with funding from the Feminist Humanitarian Network (FHN) through Community Empowerment for Peace and Development (CEPAD) West Nile, trained beneficiaries in tailoring and garment cutting, hairdressing, and catering.
The Shs40 million project aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for vulnerable teenage mothers and widows by providing them with employable skills, practical experience, and startup kits to establish small businesses. CEIG Programmes Officer Ben Acema said the initiative forms part of a broader programme to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services while strengthening the livelihoods of vulnerable women and girls in Arua City.
The first cohort comprised eight teenage mothers and one single mother, who completed the training. Upon graduation, the beneficiaries received startup kits tailored to their respective trades. Tailoring graduates were given sewing machines, kitenge fabrics, thread and other materials, while those trained in hairdressing received salon equipment. Catering trainees also received the tools needed to begin their businesses.
Acema said the startup kits are intended to help the graduates immediately put their skills into practice, earn an income, regain confidence and build sustainable livelihoods. The programme targets women whose education and economic opportunities were disrupted by early pregnancy, widowhood and other social challenges. Josephine Amaniyo, who trained in hairdressing, said the programme transformed her life after she became pregnant at the age of 16 and later lost her mother.
“I was struggling after dropping out of school, but this training has given me hope and the skills to support myself and my child,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Monica Amaniyo, described the training as a life-changing opportunity that will enable her to earn a living as a tailor. “We have learnt so much through the hands-on skills training where we gained practical knowledge. I pray that such opportunities come again to benefit other vulnerable people in our communities,” she said.The Community Development Officer for the former Dadamu Sub-county, Dorcus Asinduru, said the programme complements government efforts to support vulnerable groups by providing practical skills that can reduce poverty despite limited public resources.
Stakeholders say the programme has demonstrated the value of vocational training in restoring dignity and creating livelihoods for vulnerable women. However, they note that many more teenage mothers, widows and other disadvantaged women still require similar opportunities and have called for increased investment in skills development and livelihood programmes across the region-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
