Our vocational schools provide education in Africa
Our “Children’s Village” project began over 15 years ago, providing many children with a basic education. But for an independent future, they need further vocational training.
In Uganda, an average of twenty pupils compete for one training place. Apprenticeships in areas such as wood and metalworking, mechanics, agriculture and catering are in particularly high demand.
These training programmes not only contribute to individual development, but are also crucial for Uganda’s sustainable economic development.
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Coveted apprenticeships
We started our “Children’s Village” project over 15 years ago. Every year, countless children of all ages come to us, who have now become teenagers and young adults. They have received a basic education at our school.
However, to enable them to stand on their own two feet, they still need vocational training at a secondary school. This will set the course for their future lives. In Uganda, however, there are at least twenty pupils interested in vocational training for every one place. These are mainly in the fields of wood and metalworking, mechanics, agriculture and catering.
A good education in these areas helps the students to be independent and provide for their families. However, such training does not only bring added value for the respective children. The subject areas mentioned are just as important for the sustainable development of the Ugandan or African economy.
Hotel management school and forestry farm
Our vocational school in western Uganda, in the Buhweju region, therefore includes a hotel management school and a forestry farm. The students not only learn a profession there. They also learn about the interrelationships and importance of nature conservation and tourism.
Their work also makes an important contribution to the reforestation and sustainable management of the land. In this way, we are creating a better future for the local people and their children.
Vocational training can move mountains. It is about the transition from theory to practice, from school to work, from dependence to independence. Our combined vocational school for forestry and hospitality in Buhweju is an exemplary project.
Young people seeking time out, guidance and practical learning help to reforest a remote hilltop. We often have young people who don’t know what to do next and are looking for a break. Sometimes we also welcome foreign guests or volunteers.
If they work in our forestry for a few months, it can work wonders. What they learn here through daily work they can use for the rest of their lives. They learn to live from the forest without harming it.
Since we started reforesting deforested mountains with young people, several sustainable impulses have been created. We organise courses in forestry and forest management. This is not only education, but also nourishment.
Architecture project from Munich
Our houses in Buhweju also serve as school buildings. We teach crafts that have fertile ground. Sewing, textile design, home economics, mechanics, catering and more. Every shed we need is also built by our protégés themselves. Because building skills are also valuable. Especially in Uganda.
The designs for the small ensemble of houses were created by architecture students from the Technical University of Munich. Under the dedicated guidance of Professor Victoria Gaudecker, the motivated students travelled to Uganda and put their hands to work. Together they built charming, simple houses. A prime example of international co-operation, of volunteering that bears long-term fruit.
Guest house for everyday practice
We also welcome European guests to Buhweju and enable young people to learn the art of catering on their own. The location on the mountain ridge is heavenly. Once you come, you like to stay longer. This enables our protégés to pamper guests and learn the art of hospitality. They entertain and look after guests and learn valuable things in the process. Because tourism has great potential in Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa”.
We also do a lot more: we sew, do carpentry, repair and much more. In short: our combined vocational school in Buhweju creates skills, identity and a future. That’s what it’s all about. With your sponsorship, you are helping to ensure that many children and young people can attend the school. This means that many more children and young people can learn and work here.
