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Hope renewed for vocational skills graduates in Pader

12 January 2026, 1:18 pm

Francis Kasumba addressing the graduates in Pader. Photo: Okwong Geoffrey.

By Okwong Geoffrey

At least 300 young girls and women across Pader District received renewed hope for self-reliance and employment over the weekend after being provided with start-up materials following weeks of vocational skills training.

The handover exercise, held on Sunday at the Mayor’s Ground in Pader Town Council, brought together around 320 beneficiaries, including 58 trainees from Pader Town Council, Pajule Town Council, and Pader Sub county.

Speaking at the event, Francis Kasumba, Project Officer with Makerere University–Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Care Ltd in Pader District, said the initiative is part of a broader programme targeting adolescent girls and young women, with a key focus on reducing HIV infections.

Kasumba explained that since September 2024, MU-JHU Care Ltd has been implementing interventions aimed at HIV prevention, stigma reduction—particularly among girls living with HIV—and economic empowerment.

“Removing stigma among adolescent girls and young women, especially those living with HIV, is a major component of our programme here in Pader,” Kasumba noted.

MU-JHU Care Ltd operates as a sub-recipient under The AIDS Support Organization (TASO), implementing activities funded by the Global Fund Grant.

According to Kasumba, the programme emphasises life skills development, with a strong focus on vocational and soft skills training.

Francis Kasumba on providing start-up support to empower and sustain graduates – Eng.
Treadles and parts of a sewing machine received to enhance vocational skills among graduates. Photo: Okwong Geoffrey.

The girls were trained in a variety of vocational skills, including tailoring, hairdressing, bakery, electrical installation, liquid and bar soap making, craft bag production, and shoemaking. All beneficiaries received start-up kits to enable them to put their newly acquired skills into practice.

Kasumba explained that the initiative aims to improve the economic well-being of the girls and young mothers, enabling them to become self-sufficient and reduce their vulnerability.

“High poverty levels and unmet needs among young girls have contributed to the spread of HIV. By empowering them economically, we address one of the root causes,” he added.

One of the beneficiaries, Cedonia Arach, a 22-year-old single mother from Lagwai Parish in Pader Town Council, praised MU-JHU for restoring hope among young women.

“This support has given me a chance to improve my financial situation and take better care of my child,” Arach said.

Cedonia Arach with materials for making liquid and bar soap. Photo: Okwong Geoffrey.

Arach, who received materials for making liquid and bar soap, said the support would help her buy additional supplies and start a small business to support her family.

Cedonia Arach expresses excitement after receiving start-up materials – Luo.

The initiative has been welcomed by community members as a timely intervention to equip young women with practical skills, promote self-employment, and support the fight against HIV through economic empowerment.