Brilliance is everywhere – opportunity is not: update on Upskilling Uganda

SERC volunteers who have been fundraising to support a new Vocational Training Institute in Northern Uganda will be delighted to know that the building is due to open on 1 March. The Institute, established in Gulu by the Fields of Life charity, will play a major role in helping to rebuild the area post-conflict, providing young people with skills training and the opportunity to reach their full potential. The aim is to produce not only job-seekers but also job creators.

SERC has been supporting “Fields of Life” in this project since 2015. On a purely voluntary basis, students and staff have been actively involved in raising more than £17,000 for the new college in Uganda. 

Claire Henderson, Head of International, Quality, Excellence and Development at SERC says “As a former student of another Fields of Life establishment told us, brilliance is everywhere but opportunity is not.  This project at Gulu aligns with the very ethos of SERC, in that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn.   We have worked hard over the past six years to support the building and operation of the Vocational Training Institute and it’s wonderful that phase one is now about to open. We’re very proud of the achievements of the students who have raised a substantial contribution, and it’s also very pleasing to know that through this volunteering activity they have enhanced their CVs and been able to improve key skills such as entrepreneurship, team-work, planning and communication.”

SERC staff are also involved in the project in Gulu by providing hands-on technical advice on construction and equipment fit-out as well as professional training and guidance for teaching and management staff. 

The Gulu Vocational Training Institute will offer young people training in construction; carpentry; tailoring, fashion and design; cosmetology, hair and beauty; and hotel-keeping and catering. The Institute will also train students in ICT and business skills.

SERC is committed to helping transform this area of Northern Uganda, which has been impoverished and scarred by years of conflict. Former child soldiers, who were kidnapped and forced to fight, now need the opportunity to heal, learn and gain employment.  The intention is to create a student-centred environment offering excellent teaching, pastoral care, trauma counselling and mentoring to vulnerable young people, preparing them for work and enabling them to support their families.

No public money directed to support SERC students has been used to support this project.