By Immaculate Tusingwire MMS
It was all smiles and gratitude from Christine, when Sr. Caroline Bacia, the coordinator of Sister-Led Youth initiative (SLYI), a program under the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU) went to visit one of the program’s beneficiaries.
Sister Led Youth program focuses on vocational training, mentorship, and startup support, enabling beneficiaries to build sustainable livelihoods within their communities. Christine from Arua, which is in the Northern Uganda, is among the many young people whose lives have been transformed through this program, with the support Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and Global Solidarity Forum (GSF).
SLYI enrolled Christine in a salon and hairdressing course at Flaminio Vocational Training Centre, where she completed her training in 2023. Later, the program supported her advanced skills at Divine Mercy Vocational Training Centre, graduating in 2025 with enhanced expertise in her field.
After completing her studies, Christine gradually built her experience through internship work before establishing her own salon business with support of the startup kits. Her dedication and quality service attracted a growing number of clients, earning her recognition within the community.
“ARU supported me to gain these skills, and now I am able to work, earn a living, and even train others,” Christine says. “I started small, but customers kept coming because of the good work.”
Her growing expertise opened further opportunities. She successfully trained one student over a three-month period and was later engaged by Muni University under the Refugee and Host Community Youth Empowerment and Transformation Initiative (RETI). Through the three-month program, Christine trained ten students in salon and hairdressing.
The trainees were assessed through practical examinations under the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) modular system and are expected to receive recognized certification.
Christine attributes her progress to ARU’s Sister Led Youth Initiative continued support and emphasizes the importance of skills development among young people. Reflecting on her journey, Christine encourages fellow youth to take initiative and make use of available opportunities.
“Do not be idle, make use of your skills and the tools you have.”
Christine’s story is only one out of the over 700 youths who have been supported with the help of Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, and the Global Solidarity Forum (GSF). Other youths have been trained in the areas of; Garment cutting and design, Motor Vehicle Mechanics and Motorcycle Repair, Catering and Hotel Management, Carpentry and Joinery, Building and Concrete Practice, Plumbing and pipe Fitting, Welding and Metal Fabrication and others. ARU is so grateful for GSF’s incredible support, without them, this would not be possible.
