In a heartwarming graduation ceremony held at St. John Paul Shalom Youth Centre in Akisim, Soroti, the Soroti Catholic Diocese in collaboration with Uganda Martyrs Catholic Parish in Rome, celebrated the successful completion of a five month tailoring and entrepreneurship training program for 64 vulnerable teenage mothers and school dropouts from the Teso sub-region.
The initiative, launched in February 2025, aimed to equip disadvantaged young girls most of whom had dropped out of school due to poverty or teenage pregnancy equipping with practical vocational skills and entrepreneurship knowledge to enable them to become self reliant and economically empowered.
The project initially enrolled 100 participants, but due to limited access to basic training materials such as sewing accessories and fabrics, 36 trainees were unable to complete the course.
Despite these challenges, 64 girls persevered and officially graduating after acquiring essential skills in tailoring, business management, and personal development.
The graduation ceremony was graced by the Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Joseph Eciru Oliach, who commended the graduates for their resilience and discipline throughout the training.
“I am seeing bright, smiling faces now well-trained and supported by generous hearts from Italy who think of us,” Bishop Eciru said.
“You are now empowered. Go out and shine, prosper, and multiply as God commands. Use this training to improve your lives and help your families.”
He encouraged the graduates to remain prayerful, self-reliant, and to use their skills for the betterment of their communities, adding: “Don’t let such opportunities go to waste. You are now lifted from the ground to grace.” he said
Rev. Fr. Michael Omaria, the diocesan financial administrator, expressed his joy over the trainees’ transformation and urged them to form associations and small businesses to support each other and create job opportunities.
“You are no longer nobodies, you are now people of value. Never underestimate yourselves or your skills. Let us go out and do good work,” Fr. Omaria remarked.
The training was supported by the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Parish in Rome, whose sponsorship facilitated the purchase of 47 sewing machines and other training materials.
Luis Luigi, a representative from the parish, lauded the effort of the Diocese, the trainers, and the graduates, pledging continued support for the program.
“From this small gesture, you have made a big achievement. A tree is known for its fruits, go out and be fruitful. Don’t become rotten tomatoes among the good ones,” he advised the graduates.
Alfred Otworok, the program’s focal person, highlighted that 100 out of over 200 applicants were selected for the first cohort, but the high dropout rate due to lack of materials remains a significant challenge.
He emphasized the need for more funding to provide startup kits and expand the program’s reach.
The graduating class, named “St. Joseph the Workers”, delivered a heartfelt appreciation message led by their representative Ariyo Sarah, expressing gratitude to the sponsors, trainers, and diocesan leadership.
“We have gained technical, business, and personal development skills that will help us build sustainable livelihoods. We are now confident in operating sewing machines, taking measurements, cutting patterns, and running a tailoring business,” Ariyo said.
“We also appeal for continued support in providing startup kits and the establishment of a permanent vocational training center.”
The graduates requested an expansion of the program to include other marketable vocational skills such as bakery, metal fabrication, hairdressing, bricklaying, and crafts, along with ongoing mentorship and follow-up support.
Trainers Akello Mary Gorreti Ateker and Okaro Samuel applauded the trainees for their commitment and encouraged them to continue practicing and building upon the skills acquired.
“Don’t sit and waste this opportunity keep learning and growing,” Ateker urged. “You have shown loyalty and resilience. The skills you’ve gained are a foundation for a better life,” added Okaro.
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Any chance of the training of the kind should be informed, am humbled to register my siblings
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