LOCAL NEWS |LIRA
LIRA CITY, UGANDA|LangoSub-region has received a major boost in its ongoing post-conflict recovery efforts after 30 youths successfully graduated from a vocational skills training programme supported by Schools for Youth Netherlands in partnership with the John Fisher Youth Initiative Uganda.
The latest cohort brings the total number of beneficiaries under the project to 150 youths, marking a significant milestone in empowering young people with practical skills for self-reliance and economic transformation.
CEO George Rember Okello, Schools for Youth Netherlands 🇳🇱 Officials.
The graduation ceremony, held amid optimism and renewed community spirit, highlighted the growing impact of vocational education in addressing unemployment and rebuilding livelihoods in Northern Uganda, a region still grappling with the long-term effects of past conflicts.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of John Fisher Youth Initiative Uganda and Project Coordinator, George Rember Okello, emphasized the urgent need for collective responsibility in rebuilding the war-affected Lango Sub-region.
He noted that while skills training is a critical step, sustainable recovery will depend on commitment from all stakeholders, including local leaders, cultural institutions, and the youth themselves.
Okello called for stronger unity among leaders across the region, urging them to set aside differences and work together towards a shared vision of development and stability. He stressed that patriotism and community-driven initiatives are essential in accelerating transformation and restoring hope among the population.
Graduands Performing During Event.
“We must all feel obligated to make our country better. Our people define our nation, and without them, we are nothing,” Okello said, drawing applause from graduates and community members.
The programme equips participants with hands-on skills in various trades, enabling them to start small businesses or seek employment in the informal and formal sectors. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the training has not only improved their livelihoods but also restored their sense of purpose.
Parents of Graduands ln Attendance.
Parents have expressed deep love, gratitude, and appreciation to George Rember Okello the Director John Fisher Institute of Health Sciences for his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in transforming lives within the education sector. They commend him as a true champion of hope whose commitment has strengthened coordination among stakeholders, improved access to opportunities, and inspired meaningful change in communities.
Through his leadership, many families have witnessed renewed optimism as vulnerable children and youth are empowered with skills, knowledge, and a sense of purpose. Parents particularly recognize his passion for uplifting marginalized groups, noting that his work goes beyond education to restoring dignity and building confidence among beneficiaries.
They further applaud his ability to bring together partners, institutions, and communities to work toward a shared vision of progress and inclusivity. His initiatives have not only enhanced educational development but have also contributed to social and economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
As a result, parents view his contributions as a lasting investment in the future of their children and society at large. They continue to stand in support of his mission, expressing hope that his efforts will inspire others to join in building stronger, more resilient communities.
Graduands,John Fisher Youth Initiative Uganda.
Local leaders who attended the ceremony praised the initiative for addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment and called for expansion of similar programmes to reach more communities across Northern Uganda.
Development partners reiterated their commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives that promote resilience, economic independence, and social cohesion in post-conflict areas.
As Lango continues its journey toward recovery and growth, stakeholders say such initiatives are key to unlocking the region’s potential and ensuring a more prosperous future for its youthful population.