Kamwokya Boy Child Program

The Rotary Club of Kitante, in partnership with Purple Skills Klinic Foundation, implemented the Kamwokya Boy Child Skilling Program to create practical pathways for young boys from the Kamwokya community to develop skills, build confidence and access opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.

The programme was designed in response to the challenges faced by young people growing up in underserved communities, where limited access to skills training and employment opportunities can make the transition into productive livelihoods particularly difficult. Rather than focusing only on classroom-based learning, the programme combines technical skills, mentorship, practical assignments and workplace exposure to prepare participants for the realities of the modern economy.

The programme has supported three cohorts, with a total of 60 boys participating. Each cohort consists of 20 participants selected from the Kamwokya community through an application and selection process supported by local leaders, churches, mosques and online platforms.

Participants have been trained in practical and market-oriented disciplines including Deejaying, Graphic Design, Videography, Photography, Web Development and Data Analysis. The training is complemented by soft skills such as communication, branding and marketing, helping participants develop not only technical abilities but also the confidence and personal skills required to use those abilities professionally.

 

A key component of the programme is the transition from training into practical work experience. Following their skills training, participants are connected to internship and job-shadowing opportunities with partner organisations and companies. This approach allows the young people to gain exposure to real working environments and understand how their newly acquired skills can translate into income-generating opportunities.

The programme also incorporates assessment and graduation, with participants assessed by the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) under the Ministry of Education and Sports. This provides an additional level of recognition to the skills acquired through the programme.

 

The programme is beginning to demonstrate tangible economic outcomes among its beneficiaries. The report records that across the three cohorts, 31 beneficiaries are employed while 19 are engaged in gig work or freelancing, with others pursuing further education or actively seeking employment.

Beyond employment figures, beneficiaries are applying their skills within their communities and supporting themselves and their families through creative and digital work. Some graduates have moved into entrepreneurship, while others have gained opportunities to work in events, graphic design, photography, videography and related fields.

 

One example highlighted by the programme is the journey of Kiyingi Elivic, known as Kante, and Kulaba Robert, known as Frozen. Both young men came from the Kamwokya community and had previously faced significant challenges in establishing sustainable livelihoods. Through the programme, Kante trained in graphic design while Frozen developed skills in videography.

They subsequently joined together to establish Kante & Frozen Events, providing creative services and working on events within the community. Their experience demonstrates the wider objective of the programme: moving beyond short-term training to help young people develop skills that can become sustainable sources of income and pathways to greater economic independence.

 

The Rotary Club of Kitante views youth empowerment as an important part of strengthening communities. By combining skills development, mentorship, workplace exposure and partnerships, the Kamwokya Boy Child Program seeks to equip young people with the tools they need to participate meaningfully in the economy and build more secure futures.

The programme remains an example of how partnerships between Rotary, community organisations and private-sector stakeholders can turn skills development into practical opportunities for young people.