LICO vocational school in Paidha, Uganda: the most important facts in brief
The "LICO Youth Skilling Centre" project in the town of Paidha in the underdeveloped district of Zombo provides low-threshold vocational training for young people who have little to no knowledge gained at school. At our vocational school, they acquire the skills they need to earn an income in small businesses, either with their own business or as employees. This bridging programme is an important alternative to the widespread practice of self-sufficient farming, that is associated with problems such as crop loss and food insecurity.
The vocational school in Paidha was built by CO-OPERAID and its partner NGO LICO in 2024. It offers six vocational courses for 120 young people (50% women) every year: Vehicle mechanics, film and video, hairdressing and cosmetics, arts and crafts and woodwork, tyre repair and maintenance, tailoring and fabric design. In addition to vocational knowledge, the trainees acquire business skills. Information on health, sexuality and drug abuse, which is particularly relevant for this age group, is also taught.
Education for youth in Uganda: How you can help
Aims of the skills training project in Uganda
Training 120 young people annually in market-oriented professions
The project pays the course fees for young people from the poorest families. The other participants bear the costs themselves. The course selection takes into account the situation on the regional labour market as well as the prerequisites of the beneficiaries. The courses last six months. The young people's professional success is promoted by teaching them business skills and providing a selection of them with tools to start their own business.
Establishment of the vocational school in Paidha
The vocational school was newly built in 2024 and will be established as an educational institution in Paidha during the project term. It publicises its offerings and ensures attractive vocational courses for which there is local demand. The aim is for the school in Paidha to become self-sustaining in the long term. The operation of the vocational school is supported with machines and tools as well as the provision of consumables. The teaching staff is supported through a contribution to the wages of the instructors.
Teaching general skills
Most of the young course participants are poorly informed. This is why topics relevant to this age group are taught - sex education, contraception, HIV/Aids and nutrition. Gender-based violence and drug abuse are also addressed. Violence against women and children is unfortunately widespread in Zombo and drug abuse is also on the rise throughout the country. The project aims to contribute to a positive lifestyle and informed behaviour.
Responsible native Partner-NGO in Uganda
Project region: Zombo district
FAQs
The project is scheduled to run from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027. During these three years, CO-OPERAID and LICO want to establish the vocational school in Paidha.
An evaluation by CO-OPERAID has shown that 65% of young people in Zombo can neither read nor write. It is precisely for this group that the project offers practical craft courses that provide a low-threshold entry into the trade. It complements the "Aradu Pi Fur" project, with which CO-OPERAID aims to increase the productivity of young farmers and thus improve their income.
The project is being implemented by LICO, a local aid organisation based in Paidha. LICO has been active in the Zombo district for decades and has an excellent network. The organisation is run by Ugandans and employs only Ugandan staff. LICO has already organised vocational courses in the past and will now continue this experience with its own vocational school.