Vocational Training School
(VTS)
Job Training for vulnerable Ugandan Youth
Many kids drop out of school before completing a secondary level education. As a result, they find themselves working in low-paying jobs under harsh conditions, such as a maid or a factory worker. In addition, the lack of job opportunities makes young adults more vulnerable to becoming involves in crime, addiction, or being victims of a forced marriage.
The VTS trains young adults in a practical skill within 1 year
Students start out by learning basic skills in bookkeeping and developing their business. We also teach them about their identity and calling in Christ. Then, they go out to work in a real company as an apprentice, as a tailor, mechanic, construction worker or more.
Some Testimonies
We are 11 kids at home and my father didn’t have enough money to pay for our education. My older siblings didn’t even go beyond primary 2, I dropped out after primary 7. Since I couldn’t find work, my father wanted to force me into a marriage, but I kept refusing. Finally, someone told my parents about the skill training at YWAM. After the second attempt of applying, I got accepted, and it has been a blessing: I can understand the learning here better than I ever did in school. And I am less afraid because I know God is good to us and provides. I am training in construction work and am helping to build a church as my internship. Now my prayer is to go back and build things in my village for those who need it.
I grew up in a poor family with several siblings, so we struggled with school fees. By the time I reached senior 4 (around 11th grade), I dropped out because I wanted to earn money instead. My cousin in Jinja told me about a tailoring school there, so I came. While I was there, I got to know YWAM and how they do vocational training for school dropouts. I wanted to use my skills for God’s purposes, so I did the DTS and then stayed on staff at the vocational training school. Today I can use the skills I learned to help other girls like myself to earn an honest, dignified living.
VTS Leader: Prince Kamoga
Prince lives with his wife and 3 young children on the YWAM base. He oversees the training and discipleship of the VTS students, around 20 people a year. The job is very diverse. On some days, he’ll be teaching a class, on other days, he’s fixing mosquito screens on base with VTS students, and on others still, he’s convincing a parent to allow their child to attend the VTS rather than go work in a factory or get married. His students face hard lives, but Prince loves sharing hope with them and seeing them mature in practical ways over the course of their year at YWAM.
Ready to apply?
Send us a message to info@ywamhopeland.org!