By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/ Umoja Standard.
Wakiso, Uganda: In a visionary move to boost the local economy and enhance water safety, Hon. Nakafeero Flavia, Woman MP hopeful for Wakiso District, has unveiled a series of groundbreaking apprenticeship programs aimed at empowering women and youth in the region.
With the picturesque backdrop of Lake Victoria, Nakafeero’s initiative aims not only to provide essential skills but also to foster a self-sustaining industry that will dramatically reduce reliance on expensive imports.
Speaking passionately about her plan, Nakafeero introduced three key components of her apprenticeship programs: Boat Building, Diving, and Sewing Machinist training for water safety jackets.
“Starting with the Boat Building Apprenticeships, our goal is to train local women and youth in both traditional and modern boat-building techniques, utilizing sustainable materials,” Nakafeero emphasized. “By equipping them with skills in safe and durable boat construction, we aim to create a self-sustaining industry in Wakiso that caters to the ever-growing demand for transport between the islands on Lake Victoria.”
Wakiso District is known for its vast water bodies, and Nakafeero’s strategic focus on boat building addresses a pressing need for affordable and safe transportation. By teaching skills such as engine installation and maintenance, she believes the community can significantly reduce its dependency on imported boats, which are often costly and not tailored to local conditions.
“By fostering a local boat-building industry, we will not only empower our women and youth but also contribute to the economic stability of our region,” she added. “This initiative will generate jobs, create wealth, and ensure that our waters are navigated with the utmost safety and reliability.”
In addition to the boat-building program, Nakafeero announced the introduction of Diver Apprenticeships, designed to equip young individuals with vital diving skills. “Our young people will learn open-water diving techniques that are crucial for rescue missions, water safety enforcement, and fishery management,” she explained. “This training will enable them to respond effectively to emergencies and enhance overall water safety.”
With the rich biodiversity and economic potential of Lake Victoria, nurturing a team of trained divers is expected to make a significant impact on safety and conservation in the area. Nakafeero envisions a future where local divers contribute not only to the safety of their communities but also to sustainable practices within the fishing industry and conservation efforts.
Furthermore, recognizing the critical need for water safety, Nakafeero announced another impactful initiative: Sewing Machinist Apprenticeships aimed at producing water safety jackets. “Through this program, we will train women and youth in the art of sewing, allowing them to manufacture affordable, high-quality water safety jackets for fishermen, island residents, and passengers,” she stated.
Underlining the necessity of safety gear on Lake Victoria, she highlighted that the skills taught will include operating industrial sewing machines, working with water-resistant and buoyant materials, and producing custom-sized life jackets. “This initiative is not just about creating jobs; it’s about increasing water safety, reducing drownings, and preventing accidents on our beloved lake,” Nakafeero declared.
As each of these programs unfolds, Nakafeero is committed to ensuring they align with community needs and aspirations. “These apprenticeship programs are designed for and by our community. We will engage local stakeholders to ensure that we are addressing the most pressing challenges while maximizing the potential of our talented youth and women,” she assured.
The impact of Nakafeero’s initiatives, once realized, is expected to be profound. By transforming the lives of individuals through skill acquisition and job creation, she envisions a brighter, more economically stable future for Wakiso District.
“Our mission is clear: to build a generation of empowered women and youth who will not only thrive but will also uplift their communities,” she concluded with a sense of determination. “Together, we can create an industry that Honors our resources, supports our people, and ensures the safety of our waters.”
As Wakiso District stands on the brink of transformative change, Hon. Nakafeero Flavia’s commitment to vocational training illustrates her dedication to the community’s growth and development, setting a hopeful tone for the future.