education > vocational training

Vocational Scholarship Fund

We educate and train children to become employable young people with real work prospects, to support both themselves and their families. Often, the best route is training at a local vocational college. Our Vocational Scholarship Fund helps cover these training costs.

With 75% of Uganda's population under 30, youth unemployment is a serious challenge. While academically strong children are encouraged into secondary school and professional degrees, vocational training gives those who would struggle the fastest route into meaningful work. By supporting this pathway, you help young people gain confidence, independence, and the opportunity to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

How does it work?

Children with lower academic abilities are encouraged to transition directly into vocational training after completing their primary education (around age 14). After two years, they are then ready (around age 16) to go into work and start earning money. 

Egessa was at the bottom of his class, so he chose vocational training in carpentry. After two years, he secured an internship, where his commitment and integrity impressed his employers, earning him work during college holidays. With his earnings, he helped support his mum and the family.Vocational training gives children like Egessa practical skills, confidence, and self-worth, showing them they can succeed and make meaningful contributions.

Courses range from vehicle mechanics to hairdressing, catering, plumbing, tailoring, and dressmaking. We continue to monitor their progress and our social workers visit them in their colleges on a weekly basis to make sure they are attending classes and that their tutors are happy with their progress. We also ensure that they receive medical care.

How can I help?

Course fees vary widely depending on the subject, and your support through our Vocational Scholarship Fund helps cover these costs.

Unlike our individual child sponsorships, donations to the Vocational Scholarship Fund are not linked to a specific student. This is because your gift supports a flexible pool of funds, helping cover a range of vocational training costs for students as their needs arise.

While we won’t be able to send you updates about a particular student, we’ll keep you informed with occasional stories and updates from the wider vocational programme. You’ll hear about the kinds of courses your support is funding, meet some of the students benefiting from the fund, and see the impact your generosity is making possible.

By contributing monthly, you'll be opening the door for a young person to build a secure, independent future — and reach their full potential. You can choose any amount to gift, from £10 per month, which contributes towards their training costs. Approximately £90 per month is needed to fully support one student for a year (depending on the course).

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