Providing a Quality Education to Skill Youth

the issue

Education in Uganda is facing major challenges. Only 2 out of every 3 children (67%) finish primary school. The even dimmer reality is that 40% of those who finish primary school (5th grade) are actually literate. Then only 25% continue to secondary school with an even smaller percentage finishing.^

Some of the background factors contributing issue includes rural families not valuing education, lack of school fees, teachers not being in the classroom, early marriage, and teenage pregnancy. This has left Uganda with a large population of uneducated, unskilled youth. Most of which cannot imagine a future for themselves.

 the model

The technical school which Ignite Change is taking steps to build will bridge the gap between being unemployed and illiterate to getting a job or starting a business. Students will have Biblical Studies to build a strong foundation. The school will provide general education classes, including English learning, to give students a basic education. Other courses in starting a business will be taught towards the end of their studies.

Students will be learning a skill of their choice. From mechanics to culinary, from computer programming to tailoring, and many more, students will have a large selection to choose from! Each skill will have a related business: there will be a garage, a restaurant, etc. where students will get hands on experience. These businesses will also provide a revenue stream for the school making the tuition more affordable.

Our focus will be providing a holistic education where the student not only learns a skill, but develops their self-esteem, and builds their relationship with Jesus. When a student graduates from our program, they will have a job secured through the connections the school will make or be ready to launch their own business!

the timeline

^https://www.unicef.org/uganda/what-we-do/education