In a bid to address a number challenges faced by teenage parents in the in eastern region, Elsa Africa launched a transformative vocational training initiative aiming at improving the livelihood of young people.
The program, designed to equip young parents with marketable skills, aims to provide a sustainable pathway out of poverty, at the same time promoting self-reliance and dignity.
Mukisa Daisy, the communications director at Elsa Africa , highlighted the wide range of skills offered through the initiative. From door mats, table mats, shoes making, baskets among others to smart agriculture.
“‘The project is achieving its intended target because the students are accounting to us that they have learned something because by the time they arrived here, they were unable to do anything but now they are progressing well and have already started to help themselves and their communities.’ Daisy said.
‘In every village alone like Budondo, we have 20 teen mothers who are getting skills in various enterprises and as an organization, we hope the people do well’. By empowering teenage parents with livelihoods, we are not just teaching skills but giving them the tools to rewrite their futures,” remarked Ddumba Lawrence, the director at Elsa said.
The Impact of this initiative is vividly illustrated by the stories of its beneficiaries. Nandase Hajjarah, a teenage mother from Buwagi Village, in Buyala parish, jinja district, shared her journey of transformation. She concluded tailoring program with Elsa Africa and now she is working towards starting her own business to support young people in the community as well as her parents.
“‘I will use the start-up package in case I get any support to start a small shop where I will be sewing clothes and selling them,” she said.
“I married when I was so young, around 14 years, I faced challenges of taking care of my family. I was defeated to provide my family with even the basic needs like soap, I lacked the skills to help me make a living. But since I joined Elsa programs my life is changing. My future is brighter than before.” Remarked one of the beneficiaries.
This program is not only aimed at creating economic empowerment and social resilience but it’s also aimed at improving livelihoods within communities in Eastern Uganda.
