A section of learners in Kampala have resorted to hands-on skills as
schools remain closed due to the covid-19 pandemic.
The uncertainty surrounding the reopening of schools has left
parents with no option but to identify skills to keep the learners busy.
In some of the workshops visited by URN, there were several
learners engaged in welding, tailoring, motor mechanics and carpentry.
Joseph Katamba, a Senior One student from Nsumba Secondary School Kamengo, who
was found at Miko Garage, says that her mother decided to bring him to the garage
to learn as they wait for the government to reopen schools.
Katamba says he has spent two months in Miko garage and his mother was asked to
pay money as fees to facilitate his learning.
//cue in;’’Okujja wano covid’’//
Cue out…kwekundeeta …
Sahib Nsubuga, one of the garage operators, says since the lockdown began they
have received parents requesting for placement of their children for learning
purposes during the lockdown.
Nsubuga however, notes that due to the working environment, they cannot
accommodate a big number due to the covid 19 pandemic and the Standard
Operating Procedures-SOPs.
//cue in; ’Tetwagala nnyo…
Cue out… kiseera kigere ‘’//
Huzaifa Walakira, a semi-candidate from Lugoba High School, who
works at Sserumpanise Welding Workshop, says his decision to join welding was a
motivation from his brother.
Walakira also says that his mother wanted something to keep him
engaged during the lockdown.
//cue in;’’Nange kenyininyini…
Cue out…tekirina buzibu’’//
Henry Katende, working with Sserumpanise welding workshop says
parents of children above 15 years have approached the workshop requesting to
teach their children skills in wielding.
He explains that it requires only six months for one to accomplish
skills in welding of windows, doors and other items.
//cue in;’’Abazzadde batutukiride..
Cue out…bayiga wano ''//
Katende indicates that even when schools reopen they expect the
parents to bring back the learners during the holidays to complete the cycle.
Emmanuel Bongerwa, a
mechanical engineer in Bwaise, says since the lockdown started they have been
approached by several parents asking for a learning opportunity for their
children.
He, however, says that some of the learners who were being trained
in motor mechanic skills and abandoned the workshop because they were not
interested.
Namugabi Eva
Freelancer