The project aims to combat rural youth poverty, high school dropouts, and early marriage in Aparis Village, Kumi District, Uganda, by providing local, practical vocational training and business starter kits.
High Dropout Rates: Over 70% of youth in Aparis drop out before finishing school due to poverty, lack of fees, and early pregnancy. Vulnerable Paths: Girls face early marriage at 15 for bride price; boys are trapped in low-paying casual labor (earning ~3,000 UGX/$1 a day) or riding boda-bodas. Urban Migration: Lacking local skills, many migrate to towns like Mbale, Soroti, and Kampala, ending up on the streets .
Community-Based Vocational Training: 3-to-6-month hands-on courses (such as hairdressing and carpentry) based right in Aparis/Kumi. Starter Kits & Seed Support: Graduates receive practical tools (scissors, blow dryers, sewing kits, carpentry tools) and top students can access a $100 small business loan for a kiosk. Cost: 480,000 UGX ($130) per semester per student.
Scale: Train 100 youth, distribute 80 starter kits, and launch 50 small village businesses. Economic Effect: Empowered youth earn daily/per-job income (e.g., $3-$10), stay in the village, avoid early marriage/migration, and create a multiplier effect by training others. Funding Goal: $50,000 total goal (viewable via GlobalGiving).
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
