Equity Bank Uganda, Nation Media Group Uganda, and their partners recently hosted the NTV SkillsFest at Motiv Kampala, Old Port Bell Road, from August 16th to 17th, 2024. The event, themed “Explore and Elevate,” was part of the global Youth Week celebrations.
The NTV SkillsFest aimed to address youth challenges such as unemployment and skill mismatches with the job market. The two-day event featured interactive workshops, hands-on activities, product and service exhibitions, a master class, and opportunities to learn new skills in technology, art, crafts, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, industry experts provided advisory sessions to help participants explore new ideas, build networks, and access resources for skill development and career growth.
Mr. Nelson Mugisha, the Manager of Enterprise Development at Equity Bank Uganda, cited the role of institutional support in youth development, emphasizing the importance of starting skill-building efforts.
He added, ‘’Equity Bank is committed to empowering the youth through several financing efforts and partnerships with NGOs to enhance service delivery.” This is evident in collaborative projects such as Young Africa Works, which has provided financial support to over 36,000 microbusinesses in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation’’
Hon. Ismail Mulindwa, the Chief Guest and Commissioner of Basic Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, articulated a strong commitment to education and youth empowerment.
He said,’’ This training supports the various training programs we have as a ministry responsible for training people in the nation. Education is key to the growth of our country; it is through education that we acquire the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate and thrive in the ever-changing world.’’
Ms. Susan Nsibirwa, the Managing Director for Nation Media Group, stressed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors and the role of media in educating and empowering young people in Uganda. She outlined the mission of NTV Uganda to use media platforms to inform youth about skills and opportunities, urging them to explore and elevate their potential.
Uganda’s current demographic weight comprises the youth, with over 77 percent of the population under 25 years old. The youth are active participants and drivers of social-economic transformation in Uganda, as they play a significant role in entrepreneurship and digital innovation.
Equity Bank understands the critical role youth play, especially in entrepreneurship and social enterprises, and hence the introduction of the Young Africa Works program where youth have access to unsecured loans in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, designed to empower youth enterprises and also tackle challenges of limited access to capital, curb unemployment, and create opportunities for wealth creation.
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