Kabale-The Haddassah Girls Empowerment Project marked a significant milestone over the weekend with the graduation of 35 students who completed training in various vocational skills aimed at promoting financial independence and reducing early marriages among youth—particularly girls.
Speaking at the 4th graduation ceremony held at the institution’s premises in the Northern Division of Kabale Municipality, one of the project directors, Mercy Twikyirize, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to youth empowerment through hands-on skills training.
Twikyirize revealed that the idea for the project was conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many girls were vulnerable to early marriage due to economic hardship and lack of opportunity.
“Girls now gain skills, earn their own money, and can make informed decisions about their futures, including marriage at the right time,” she said.
She noted that all graduates receive a sewing machine upon completing their training, which serves both as a startup tool and a motivator toward self-employment.
In a move to further promote gender equality, Twikyirize also announced that the institution has now opened its doors to boys through a newly established section aimed at equipping young men with similar vocational skills.
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Twikyirize also cautioned young people against spending time in political activities without clear goals, urging them instead to focus on acquiring productive skills that will contribute positively to their communities.
The ceremony was also graced by Rev. Henry Nzana, the parish priest of St. John’s Upper Bugongi, who urged the youth to embrace vocational training as a solution to rising unemployment.
“Traditional white-collar jobs are increasingly difficult to find. Vocational training equips young people with practical skills to earn a living without waiting for formal employment,” Rev. Nzana emphasized.
He encouraged graduates to remain focused and utilize their new skills to achieve self-reliance.
He also called on parents in the Kigezi region to prioritize their children’s education, noting that land once the region’s primary source of income is now limited.
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The event marked a turning point for the institution, now set to offer inclusive empowerment opportunities to both girls and boys, reinforcing its mission to foster a skilled and self-reliant generation.
