Case Study

Northern Uganda has suffered more than 20 years of violent insurgency led by Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). During this time, over one million people moved from their rural villages to refugee camps to live closer together for increased protection. Since 2006, peace talks between the government and the LRA have started but the future remains uncertain as Joseph Kony, the LR A’s leader, refuses to sign any peace resolutions until criminal charges are dropped.

Under these conditions, parents found it difficult to provide an education for their children. Owing to the temporary nature of the displacement camps, primary and secondary schools simply did not exist, and with the ongoing war, 70% of these children never received any formal education.

Gulu’s community members soon recognised the need to train their children and created a nationally-accredited vocational program, the Gulu Youth Development Association (GYDA). Filling the skills gap for many of these young adults who are anxious to work and support their families, the organisation trains its students to work with metal, repair motor vehicles, design clothing and construct buildings.

Under the leadership of Robert Kilma, a civil engineer and certified mechanic, the organisation has trained over 3,500 youths from the Northern Uganda region, who are now starting their own businesses and generating income for their families, in the hope of restoring peace in the region. These young people have found a high demand for their products thanks to the increased rate of construction. Additionally, with the physical causalities caused by the war, they have also been trained to fabricate limbs, crutches and wheelchairs. Currently, 200 students are enrolled in the program, but with its long waiting list of 500 students, the organisation’s next goal is to expand its courses and begin offering university-level degrees.

Providing Livelihoods for Ugandan War Victims

In 2007, Legatum granted GYDA US$55,000 to offer more students the opportunity to receive vocational training. These funds have directly and indirectly benefited 1,200 youths and their families, providing the students with skills in brick-laying, carpentry, mechanics and metal work.

Leadership

Robert’s unrelenting passion to build a top-tier vocational training in the middle of Northern Uganda’s conflict region has helped GYDA become a nationally-accredited vocational school, a rarity in the Ugandan educational sector.