Vocational training is a cornerstone of sustainable economic development. 45 women from Kidera were able to take advantage of training in the production of reusable sanitary pads, soap making and the provision of complete catering equipment to become economically independent. The newly purchased sewing machines open up opportunities and build confidence in their trained abilities.

A ‘Community Based Organisation’ (CBO) was founded, a separate community account was set up and initial sales activities were launched. The income from the first 1,000 pad/soap sets sold was reinvested in new materials and the next products were manufactured.

Rtn. Kazibwe Agnes Nanyonjo supervises the women's group with great dedication and commitment.

Women who are economically active are the key to sustainable development. Vocational training contributes to economic income and thus strengthens the entire family. Therefore, 45 women were trained in 8 modules over half a year by Tororo Youth Initiative for Professional Development (Constance Nyamikola) on entrepreneurial skills.

The women work together in the “Community Based Organisation”, and the catering business is now well known in the region. New business models are currently being considered, with several women wanting to set up their own businesses.

The official graduation ceremony with the presentation of diplomas is scheduled to take place in Kidera on 15th of December 2024. An award for the best business concept will also be presented at the ceremony.

The women's group has developed its own brand: ‘Fungo’. ‘Fungo’ means ‘intimate undergarment’ in Dhopadhola, the language of the region, and ‘Fungo pads & soap’ were the first products sold.

The ‘Fungo’ house was built on the grounds of the Kidera Primary School to enable the pads and soap to be manufactured professionally. Complementary products and creative ideas form the basis of an inclusive business enterprise with which women in Kidera can stabilise their income.

In December 2024, another container will arrive from Austria, this time containing the furnishings for the Fungo House. The container itself is needed for the Sam Owori Skills Development Centre.

In the meantime, a further 90 women and men have expressed an interest in further training – financial support for this is urgently needed.

The Sam Owori Skills Development Centre is to be built in the slums of the city of Tororo, about 10 km from Kidera. Construction of the Center has just begun, with the start financially supported by a Rotary Global Grant.

In the slums, people are mostly unemployed and many of them have dropped out of school. In these slum areas, about 20% of Tororo's population lives on less than $1 a day. They usually work in the informal sector and have several activities parallel at the same time. To combat the high unemployment rate – especially among young people – and to improve living conditions, the Center will offer the following:
1. IMPROVED EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
2. PROMOTION OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING
3. JOB CREATION
4. PROVISION OF AFFORDABLE BUILDING MATERIALS (training in the production of ‘TwistBlocks’).