In September 2023, 15 dynamic young graduates were enrolled in to the GRiC Youth Leadership Program as the 4th cohort of the Grassroots Nest for Innovation and Change (GRiC) Africa Youth Leadership program. With funding from GRiC Africa, Foundation for Inclusive Community Help (FICH), six of these talented young individuals were strategically placed with different Partner organizations that GRiC supports in Uganda, including Development Path for Community Transformation (DEPCOT), Arua Youth Development Initiative (AYDI), Community Focus International (CFI), Growth Care Uganda (GCU), and Saving Aids Foundation (SAF).
Before delving into hands-on project planning and management training, the participants underwent a series of virtual training sessions, covering essential topics such as mental health, self-discovery, CV writing among others. The aim is to equip them with a holistic skill set that offers them positive uniqueness in Uganda’s competitive job market.
Patrick Ocen, the Project Coordinator for CBO Capacity Strengthening, emphasized GRiC Africa’s commitment to mentorship, acknowledging the invaluable role it plays in providing practical experience beyond formal education. “GRIC Africa understands that there is no school for experience thus the need for mentoring and supporting the youth with practical skill sets”.
Recognizing the importance of experiential learning, the project planning and management session was conducted physically in Lira City. This allowed the youth to apply their knowledge in crafting fundable proposals under the expert guidance of a seasoned consultant.
Addressing the pressing issue of high graduate unemployment rates in East Africa, the project coordinator highlighted the necessity of instilling valuable skills and knowledge. Hamza Okello, a PPM Consultant, urged the participants to embrace discipline and perseverance, essential traits for personal growth.
Of the 15 youths currently undergoing this transformative training, three standout proposals from three youth will secure funding. The comprehensive six-month program culminates in a graduation ceremony in a regional convening in Nairobi, Kenya, with cohort 4 graduation projected for March 2024. Focusing on addressing the challenges of youth unemployment, this initiative aims to empower the next generation with the necessary skills needed to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.
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Your program is good and is helping Education department and it is to find out children that are staying at home without going to school.