Vocational Skilling & Livelihoods
The Challenge: Unlocking Youth Potential
Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, but high rates of youth unemployment prevent this demographic dividend from being realized.35 Many young people, particularly those from rural areas and those who have not completed formal schooling, lack the market-relevant skills needed to secure dignified work or start their own businesses.36 This is especially true for young women, who often face additional barriers to economic participation. Without viable pathways to earn a living, youth are trapped in a cycle of poverty, unable to support themselves or contribute to their communities’ economic growth.
Our Solution: Skills for a Self-Reliant Future
ICFER’s Vocational Skilling program establishes training centers that provide practical, hands-on courses designed to meet local market demand. Our goal is to equip youth and women with the tools they need for economic independence.
Our skilling centers are becoming engines of local economic development.
- We have established vocational training centers in strategic rural locations.
- Hundreds of young people and women have graduated from our programs, with many going on to start successful small businesses or find skilled employment.
This program makes a direct contribution to:
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
- SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
