The Stanbic team together with Busitema University staff led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Waako(in suit), posing for a photo with some of the graduates
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Busitema University has passed out one hundred young people upon completing an intensive six-month training programme courtesy of Stanbic Bank Uganda.
Fully funded by Stanbic Bank, the sh50 million programme provided the finalists with marketable skills.
“This aligns with the government’s National Development Plan IV, which stipulates investing in skills development to empower young people and drive economic growth,” said Dr. Joseph Ddumba Lwanga, the Dean Faculty of Engineering and Technology at the university.
He said the graduates represent 97% completion rate, an indicator of commitment of all the stakeholders involved including beneficiaries, sponsors and implementers.
He pointed out that the beneficiaries were selected on merit from the different areas where Busitema University has campuses, such as Nagongera, Namasagali, Arapai, Mbale, Pallisa and Kaliro districts.
Lwanga said the courses the students benefited from included welding and metal fabrication, post-harvest handling, brick-laying and concrete practice, irrigation technologies and automotive repairs.
Stanbic’s Head of Public Sector Olga Biribonwa handing over a certificate of completion to ta graduate. Looking on Stanbic’s Head of CSI Diana Ondoga
Diana Ondoga, Stanbic Bank’s Manager for Corporate and Social Investment, said the benefiting students were taken through the revitalized skills-based short-course training programme, a testament to what can be achieved when collaboration aligns with a shared vision for progress.
“This training programme, which was introduced last year with 70 beneficiaries, expanded this year to offer 100 scholarship slots. This is in keeping with our commitment at Stanbic, which goes beyond banking,” she said, adding that they are dedicated to supporting initiatives that build human capacity, stimulate economic growth, and uplift communities.
She added that the program exemplifies their dedication by equipping talented young men and women with practical, industry-relevant skills, empowering them to take charge of their futures and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s development.
“The partnership with Busitema University is a strategic plan in ensuring that the country taps into its human resource potential and reap the benefits,” said Ondoga.
Ondoga added that for over 10 years, they have run the Stanbic National Schools Championship, which has touched the lives of over 500,000 secondary school students.
“That led to the development of this programme, which is designed with a clear focus on closing the gap between education and industry needs, ensuring our youth are job-ready and highly competent. We hope that each graduate will leverage the skills acquired to create sustainable livelihoods, inspire others, and build a brighter future for their communities.”
Prof. Paul Waako, the Vice Chancellor of Busitema University said, “Let your actions and work speak for you. As you step into the communities to serve, remember that the quality of your services will determine the success of your enterprises. Clients expect quality and good customer care. Without these, your qualifications alone won’t suffice.”
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