Parents implored to take advantage of PISGBC
By The Public Lens
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Chairperson for Makindye Division, Hussein Lukyamuzi has implored parents to take advantage of the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child (PISGBC) project by registering their children in the program so that they are equipped with free vocational skills.
Lukyamuzi made the request on 29th May, 2024 at a showcasing function of products made by students of Wabigalo Skilling Centre in Makindye Division where he was the guest of honour.
“I request all parents country wide, to send their children to the skilling centres and grab the opportunity which the President has free of charge offered to us where the youth are given hands-on-skills. Once the children acquire these skills they will be in position to create employment for themselves and for the others,” he said.
The showcasing program that kicked-off on Tuesday 28th May, 2024 at Luzira Skilling Centre also acted as an evaluation for students who are soon to sit their final exams in the departments of electronics, shoe making, electrical installation, plumbing, building and construction plus carpentry, joinery, welding and motor vehicle mechanics.
Lukyamuzi commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for helping the youth by offering them a lifetime opportunity.
“It is a very good stride ahead and a very good initiative. Thank you, President Yoweri Museveni, for skilling the nation, thank you very much,” he said.
Lukyamuzi, who is also a farmer and a veterinary practitioner, promised to offer employment to some of the students of the plumbing class on his coffee plantation in Masulita to install an irrigation system.
The Senior Presidential Assistant on Education and Skilling who also serves as the head of PISGBC project, Dr. Faith Katana described the Wabigalo Skilling Centre as a special one because it is the only one of its kind in the areas of Makindye and Namuwongo.
She commended the Skilling Centre administration for allowing the girls to join saying this will go a long way in improving the talents of the youth since there is no need for a certificate to join a Skilling Centre.
“The Skilling Centre is open to all and all that is a required is a letter from the LC1 Chairman of the area,” she pointed out.
Dr. Katana also clarified that the nine centres in the five divisions of Kampala are meant specifically for residents of the city, because upcountry districts have been catered for by the Presidential Industrial Hubs established regionally.
“The Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy child is strictly Kampala based. LC1 Chairpersons should not recommend children from Gulu, Mbarara, Tororo or any other upcountry district. The President has established Industrial Hubs for them in their respective areas, so LC’s don’t compromise your selves,” she directed.
Dr. Katana was however impressed by the creativity of the students at the Centre who recycle old motor vehicle tyres into artistic pieces which are used for holding flowers and other forms of decorations.
“Such tyres have in the past been a nuisance, burned on the streets during senseless riots and damaging our tarmac roads,” she noted.
She went ahead and explained that State House spends shs 4 million on each student for the 6 months of Skilling and enrolls 6,000 students each semester.
Dr. Katana further disclosed that 99% of the training involves practicals hence materias have to be bought by government in order to give the students free education.
The Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Makindye Division, Mac Baingana commended the President for the project and urged the students to embrace humility once in the field and treat their customers with respect.
“The President has so many programs. In the first place infrastructure development, UPE and USE, among others but he said no I want to save my children from destruction by providing them with livelihood skills,” the Deputy RCC noted.
