Vocational Institute
Mission: To disciple and train young men and women to be self-sufficient through vocational skills.
Goal:
To help young men and women acquire vocational skills to become self-sufficient and productive in their respective communities.
Overview:
New Hope Uganda started New Hope Vocational Institute in 1996. It is located in Kiwoko about five Km from Kasana Children’s Centre. Students come from New Hope Children’s Center, the surrounding communities, and elsewhere in Uganda. The two-year courses offered are Carpentry, Building & Concrete Placement, Metal Working and Agriculture Apprenticeship. One year courses include Tailoring, Textile Weaving and Baby House Care. The Institute plans on adding Catering and Electrical Installation in 2011.
The educational process of many older children has been interrupted by poverty and family tragedies. Many in their mid-to-late teens have not even been able to finish primary school and have little hope as they look into their futures. Other young people are just not academically inclined and would instead like to work with their hands. The New Hope Vocational Institute (NHVI) was created for such young people.
This year, over 40 boys and girls between the ages of 15 and 20 are being given hope for the future as students at NHVI. In conjunction with learning their trade, students hear the Gospel, are helped to have a biblical worldview, and learn about biblical fatherhood, motherhood, and family. We teach a strong work ethic and strive to impart the understanding of how important hard work is. A large part of our focus is self sufficiency in all areas of the school, from our own financial stability to imparting to our students a desire to stand on their own two feet as God raises them out of poverty through their skills.
Students are required to pay school fees – a small part of the overall cost of the program but an important part in taking ownership of their education. In addition, students work in the gardens (NHVI farm) which helps produce 90% of the lunch food served each day. Finally, contracts are signed for real jobs in the community that students complete to help pay their own education.
In 2009, 29 students graduated from NHVI. Twenty-five are scheduled to graduate this year. Each graduate is eligible to apply for a microfinance loan to help acquire tools for his/her trade. Many of the graduates of NHVI are now successfully using their training and tools and are productive members of their communities.
To donate to the New Hope Vocation Institute, click here: NHVI Donation
