Youth inspired to follow passion at third WhatNext Youth conference 

In order to escape the unemployment trap, passion is most key before you can then patiently work your way up, youth have been advised.

The call was made by Sandra Letio, the CEO Pelere Group – manufacturers of cosmetic products from Shea Butter during the third annual Linkme Youth Forum organised WhatNext Conference on March 2, 2019.

The conference, held under the theme Positioning Youth to Address unemployment in Uganda at Isbat University Lugogo Bypass brought together over 300 participants from several secondary schools across the country.

The performing arts panel included Mariam Ndagire, a renowned actress and director of film who advised the youth to pursue talent alongside education and give their passion all they have.

“You may not have the talent to be an actor but you might have the talent to be a producer, you may not have the talent to be a producer but you might be a good director, you might not have the talent to be a good director but you might have the money to set up a production company,” she added.

Andrew Ahuurra, a composer and Sound producer advised, “Things take time, don’t rush. Failures are part of your training.”

There was also a sports panel that advised on opportunities in sports for the talented and untalented youth. Led by Peter Otai, a sports journalist, the panel shared opportunities in talent identification, sports management and sports business.

TEM School of Beauty founder Margret Kyambadde motivated youth about the importance of hands-on skills like baking, cosmetology, fashion and design which make it easy to start a business and can run alongside a main stream career.

“I stopped in S.6 because I got pregnant. I never gave up and I started doing petty jobs (selling nakatii) and with time I am what I am today, Director TEM school of Beauty and comprehensive Studies.” said Margaret Kyambadde.

Later, the students were inspired by the ICT panel comprised of  Bazil Mwotta, Patricia KaHill, Marvin Akankwasa of UgaBus who demonstrated how to earn money via social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter & YouTube.

Linkme Youth Forum mentors youth 15 – 30 in schools and communities through training, information and creating opportunities for them.