A leading training institution, Sharonica Garment Centre, is strongly encouraging communities to change how they view vocational education. They warn that when parents don’t fully support or even look down on practical skills, it holds young people back from developing abilities that could truly transform their lives.
This important message came during a recent graduation ceremony in Lira, Uganda, where 106 students successfully completed their training in tailoring and hairdressing.
Speaking at the event, a director from Sharonica pointed out that some parents fail to provide complete support for their children after they enroll. This often means graduates miss out on crucial practical training opportunities. He stressed that leaving trained individuals idle or only allowing them to practice informally at home prevents them from gaining the essential experience needed in a real workplace. Employers today are looking for hands-on experience, so parents must allow graduates to move into workshops to get that vital exposure.
Sharonica also ensures its students learn valuable life skills, like poultry and goat farming. This helps them find different ways to earn money, so they aren’t completely dependent on just tailoring. The director passionately urged everyone to stop seeing vocational training as a lesser option. He emphasized that tailoring, in particular, should be recognized as a solid business path that can truly improve families’ lives.
The Principal of Sharonica Garment Centre confirmed that the institution offers structured training programs designed to suit students with various educational backgrounds. She highlighted that the center is officially recognized by national assessment boards, ensuring quality education. The institution now holds regular assessments to better support student progress.