Calling on parents and children to stop having negative views on vocational education

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Amos Tayebwa

Mbarara

Educationists and leaders in Ibanda City have called on parents and children who have completed their O’Level and A’Level examinations not to be misled and have a wrong perception about vocational education and not to associate it with failure or poverty.

Addressing the staff at the graduation ceremony of the Ibanda Union Vocational School, the Ibanda South MP, Dr. John Paul Ninkusiima aka Parnadol, who was the guest of honour, urged parents to take the lead role and make decisions for their children after they graduate from Grade 4 and 6.

Councillor Ninkusiima disclosed that most children lack guidance from their parents when making decisions to attend university or tertiary institutions.

“As parents, we have to think long term and not be petty minded and be swayed by our children, we also need to see the future and see how we can guide our children well. For example, your child can tell you that he or she may be planning to study a certain course in an institution such as Alliance Vocational School or any university, you can ask or consult with people who know the situation so that you can guide your child properly and ensure that any course your child studies will help him or her earn a living and help the community,” said Councillor Ninkusiima.

MP Ninkusiima also asked parents and children to stop misconceptions about vocational studies. He said the Ugandan government provides an enabling environment for anyone to come up with any significant innovation that can transform themselves, their community and the country.

“For us as a government, the only way to end unemployment is to allow institutions like Alliance Vocational to help our youth learn skills that will help them easily earn money on their own without having to look for jobs everywhere. I believe that when our children choose vocational skills, they will be able to create their own jobs, their own income, and be able to employ others,” he added

Educationist and principal of Alliance Vocational School, Elly Katsigire Atuhereze also called on parents, guardians and children to get vocational education. He disclosed that after receiving vocational education, jobs will look for graduates with practical skills.

“I strongly condemn the public perception that vocational education is the first choice for those who did not perform well in O’Level or A’Level examinations or the poor. Therefore, I urge parents and their children to get vocational education because with vocational education, jobs will find you instead of you looking for jobs. If someone graduates with hands-on skills, then he can create a job for himself,” said Katsigire

Katsigire further called on the government to empower and support vocational institutions as a way to enhance practical skills and curb youth unemployment.

“As a private institution, we cannot say that we have enough, if the government can find a way to really support us, like provide us with equipment like sewing machines, computers, etc., and then we have to pay for lecturers and provide other facilities. We urge the government to support us financially because what we are doing is helping the government because if we do not exist as a vocational institution, the burden on the government will be heavy,” Kazigere said.

Alliance Vocational School celebrated its 10th graduation ceremony, with a total of 359 graduates receiving certificates and diplomas in various courses.