Training to lift young Ugandans out of poverty

My second visit this year took up most of October. We had ordered refurbished tools from Tools with a Mission and I was happy to see many smiling faces when I arrived at Siriba with them. The tutors gave some of their time to provide new shelving after some minor repairs and decorating. All tools are now secure and easy to book in and out.

We now have a new Board of Governors Chairman, Simon Oscar Okuma and a new principal, Josie Abong and we decided to publicise locally that we were in business to train youngsters in vocational skills. A good number of leaflets and posters were produced for distribution in all schools, churches and other public places. It is working and students are being signed up for the new term commencing in January 2015.

There are many youngsters who are really underprivileged and simply can not afford the fees. One of these is eighteen year old Agaba (below), who wants to study motor vehicle technology with a view to becoming a driver after a year’s course. He told me of his sad family circumstances which were verified by Bweyale priest, Rev. Jackson Labbejaloia. I have decided to fund this young man personally via HANDS AROUND THE WORLD (HATW). The total cost will be in the order of £250. Hopefully Agaba will then have a better future instead of working for fourteen hours a day, seven days a week in a dairy… payment £10 per month. He actually gets only about £2-50 after paying rent for a  tiny room. Sadly there are many more youngsters like this who need help.

I wrote an appeal letter of my own and have been fortunate to be able to raise over £3000 (plus Giftaid). You can read more and watch a short video here  As a retired Building Surveyor, I have offered to give a number of people free professional assistance for small projects in return for which they give HATW an appropriate donation. Come on fellow professionals, this is a very good way of helping the underprivileged!!!