In Uganda, youth unemployment affects over 9.8 million young people aged 18-30, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS, 2021). At NAWODI, we’re tackling this head-on through our Vocational and Practical Skilling programs, designed to equip women and youth with market-ready skills for self-reliance and employment.
Our trainings cover practical trades like tailoring, fashion and design, hairdressing, cosmetology, soap and shampoo making, bookbinding, and crafts. We also integrate digital literacy, teaching participants how to use social media for online business transactions, accessing digital markets, and promoting products on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. Since our inception, we’ve trained and certified over 500 youth and women, with graduates establishing small enterprises that boost their incomes and community status.
A highlight is our focus on eco-friendly products, such as reusable sanitary pads and baby diapers, which not only generate income but also promote sustainability. Through mentorship networks, we support alumni in starting ventures, ensuring long-term success. In 2024, under the Empower Youth Through Data and Community Development (EYDCD) project, we trained 100 young girls—50 in hairdressing & cosmetology, 30 in tailoring, and 20 in bookmaking—while forming 4 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) with over 120 members.
These programs align with our broader thematic areas, targeting out-of-school youth, teenage mothers, and vulnerable young men. By fostering skills in entrepreneurship, bookkeeping, and marketing, we’re breaking cycles of poverty. If you’re a young person seeking opportunities, contact our Executive Director, Mr. Sserukeera Thaddeus, at +256 701 574 415. Let’s build a skilled future together—stay connected via our social media for upcoming training announcements!
