Transforming Tomorrow through VTI Excellence

The project boosts employability in Soroti by training VTI and university grads in skills for high-demand sectors like agriculture, tourism, and digital.

Municipality

UG
Soroti, Soroti,

Category / Sub-Category / Topic

Economic development, Labor

Type of investment needed

Grant

Associated SDGs

The challenge

According to Uganda Bureau of Statistics, around 64% to 70% of those of working age are unemployed with Secondary Education Graduates facing more significant barriers to employment due to lack of specific skills and qualifications.

The project

The project aims to empower graduates from Vocational Training Institutes (VTIs) in Soroti by equipping them with industry-aligned vocational skills and practical experience to meet market demands. The initiative collaborates with local businesses, industries, and employers across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services to provide internships and apprenticeship programs within the first month of graduation. This approach enhances graduates' employability, supports sustainable employment, and drives local economic development by equipping them with the skills needed for independence and success in the job market.

In addition to equipping VTI graduates with vocational skills, the initiative will provide targeted training programs for unemployed university graduates in fields such as eco-tourism, digital marketing, and data & research. These sectors present significant growth potential and opportunities for sustainable employment.

Know more...


Soroti City is a rapidly growing urban center in Eastern Uganda, elevated to city status in 2021. It serves as the vibrant commercial capital of the Teso sub-region, located approximately 356 kilometers from the national capital, Kampala. The city's landscape is characterized by gentle rolling hills, scattered granite rock outcrops, and lush seasonal wetlands that flourish during the two rainy seasons, creating a picturesque semi-arid environment.

Soroti City's night population is approximately 133,000 residents, while its daytime population swells to an estimated 300,000. This significant increase during the day is largely due to its status as a trading hub for the Teso, Karamoja, and Bugisu regions, attracting individuals from surrounding areas for commerce and employment.

Economically, Soroti thrives as a regional trading center, with residents actively engaging in diverse activities such as agricultural produce trading, small-scale manufacturing, retail, and transportation services. The bustling Soroti Main Market is a focal point of economic activity, where traders offer a wide array of goods, from fresh produce to household items. Additionally, the city hosts a vibrant livestock market that attracts buyers and sellers from neighboring districts, further enhancing its economic significance.

The people of Soroti, predominantly of Iteso ethnic background, are known for their warmth, hospitality, and strong community bonds. They maintain their rich cultural heritage while embracing urban development, with many families engaging in both modern business ventures and traditional agricultural practices. The locals are particularly proud of their cultural practices, love of sports (especially football), and their reputation for resilience in the face of challenges.


  • Equip 2 VTIs with modern, market-aligned tools and infrastructure such as ICT equipment, horticulture tools, and training resources over 12 months. This includes 8 workshops for trainers, curriculum modernization, and multiple partnerships with NGOs, donors, and private businesses. Requires significant funding and logistical support.
  • Create 200 internship and apprenticeship opportunities for VTI graduates in partnership with 20 businesses across agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors. Over 6 months, MoUs will be formalized with clear terms, requiring moderate HR effort and strong local coordination.
  • Launch 10 social media campaigns, 7 radio interviews, and 5 networking events over 6 months to promote VTIs and the value of internships. Videos highlighting graduate success stories will be produced. Requires a moderate media budget and a dedicated outreach team.
  • Integrate life skills training for all participating students, including emotional intelligence, communication, mentorship, and hands-on projects. Implemented monthly over 6 months across both VTIs. Requires trained facilitators, updated curricula, and sustained mentoring.

Direct results

  • 2 VTIs fully equipped with industry-standard tools and a modernized curriculum aligned with market needs.
  • 200 VTI graduates placed in internships or apprenticeships through partnerships with 20 local businesses and employers.
  • 10 social media campaigns, 7 radio interviews, 5 networking events, and videos highlighting VTI graduate success stories conducted.
  • Students develop key life skills such as emotional intelligence, communication, and professional behavior through hands-on projects and mentorship.

Expected impact

Youth are equipped with relevant skills and successfully transition into employment or self-employment within one year of graduation.


  • Impact Institute of Technology & Management
  • Vocational Training institute Soroti

  • Dekura Caroline Egimu, Senior Community Development Officer en Soroti City – Local Government (carolinedekura@gmail.com).
  • Anyait Joan, Operations Manager en Dakabela Agro Products LTD (joaanyait@gmail.com, janyait@daksagro.com).
  • Atubo Nasta Catherine, Volunteer Marketing Officer en Dakabela Agro Products LTD (nastacathie@gmail.com).
  • Amuge Judith, Communications Officer en Dakabela Agro Products LTD.
  • Enyiru Augustine, Managing Director en Dakabela Agro Products LTD (aenyiru@gmail.com, dakabelaagroproducts@gmail.com).
  • Itiakorit Magrate, Finance & Administration Officer en Dakabela Agro Products LTD (kedimagrate@gmail.com).
  • Omoding Brian, Sales Officer en Dakabela Agro Products LTD (Omodingbrian1995@gmail.com).
  • Arengo Juliet Evaline, Field Officer en Dakabela Agro Products LTD (arengojulietever@gmail.com).
  • Aanyu Sarah, Field Officer en Dakabela Agro Products LTD (aanyusarah4@gmail.com).

Investment

(*): In kind/pro bonus

(**): Financing

Goods and inputs
Funds
Needed
Covered
Solicited

1000 litros de combustible para monitoreo del proyecto, movilización y sensibilización de la comunidad sobre el desempleo juvenil y los VTIs (**)

u$s 6968.89

u$s 0.00

u$s 6968.89

Materiales de marca y promocionales (folletos y materiales de marketing) (**)

u$s 3333.33

u$s 0.00

u$s 3333.33

Reuniones con la comunidad local, padres y líderes comunitarios para realizar campañas de concienciación sobre los VTI durante 12 meses (**)

u$s 4000.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 4000.00

Videografía para documentar historias de éxito de egresados de los VTI (**)

u$s 1000.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 1000.00

Papelería (**)

u$s 1250.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 1250.00

Carpintería – 2 máquinas multifunción para trabajo en madera (cepillo/engrosadora, sierra de mesa, moldeadora, mortajadora, sierra circular, cepillo de superficie y taladro) (**)

u$s 5000.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 5000.00

Automotriz – 2 herramientas de diagnóstico: escáneres profesionales de alta gama: Launch X431 PAD Elite, Autel MaxiSys Ultra (diagnóstico completo de vehículos, programación ECU, codificación) (**)

u$s 5000.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 5000.00

Electricidad – 2 kits profesionales completos con herramientas especializadas: osciloscopios, probadores de aislamiento, multímetros, herramientas de crimpado y conectores (**)

u$s 5000.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 5000.00

Informática – 20 computadoras de alto rendimiento (para programación, diseño gráfico) y monitores – 10 por cada VTI (**)

u$s 12500.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 12500.00

2 estaciones profesionales completas de soldadura (soldadores industriales, máquinas de soldadura por inversor, cascos de soldadura) (**)

u$s 5000.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 5000.00

4 kits de costura industrial (máquinas de coser computarizadas con patrones de puntada programables), 2 por VTI (**)

u$s 5000.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 5000.00

Services
Funds
Needed
Covered
Solicited

Visitas de mentoría para 200 estudiantes (**)

u$s 7500.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 7500.00

Organización de talleres regulares con expertos en habilidades para la vida, como educación financiera, manejo del estrés y comunicación – interactivos y centrados en habilidades prácticas cada trimestre (**)

u$s 15000.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 15000.00

Monitoreo y evaluación del proyecto (**)

u$s 1194.44

u$s 0.00

u$s 1194.44

Others
Funds
Needed
Covered
Solicited

Realización de campañas a través de redes sociales, radio local y participación comunitaria para sensibilizar sobre las habilidades y capacidades de los egresados de los VTI - 12 meses (**)

u$s 2000.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 2000.00

Publicidad en redes sociales: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn – videos cortos semanales en línea para promover la iniciativa durante un año (**)

u$s 1920.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 1920.00

Estipendio para 200 estudiantes en prácticas/aprendizaje (**)

u$s 80000.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 80000.00

Becas parciales para apoyar a 100 egresados de los VTI (**)

u$s 30000.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 30000.00

Organización de eventos de competencia de pitch y premios cada trimestre (3) para cada uno de los VTIs identificados (2) (**)

u$s 5000.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 5000.00

Capital inicial/equipamiento para los mejores pitchs – 100 estudiantes (**)

u$s 25000.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 25000.00

TOTAL AMOUNTS:

u$s 221666.66

u$s 0.00

u$s 221666.66

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