WAPU to Empower School Dropout Youths with 300 Beehives in Kitgum

Wide Aid Pacifierous Uganda (WAPU) a local Community Based Organization based in Kitgum has launched an ambitious beekeeping project to empower school dropout youths in Labongo Amida West Sub county. The project, which aims to promote self-reliance among the youths, will see the distribution of 300 beehives to 50 youth groups in the sub-county.

According to Jalon Okot, WAPU's Agronomist, the project is designed to provide an alternative source of income for the youths, thereby reducing their reliance on criminal activities. "We want to empower these youths to become self-reliant and productive members of their communities," Okot said. "Beekeeping is a viable income-generating activity that can help them improve their livelihoods."

The project is inspired by an earlier pilot project implemented by WAPU in Wao village, Labongo Amida West Sub-county. The pilot project, which involved 12 youth groups and 50 beehives, yielded impressive results, with the youths harvesting 185 kilograms of honey during their first harvest.

"A kilogram of honey in Kitgum sells for between UGX 8,000 to 12,000, depending on the quality," Okot said. "This project has the potential to generate significant income for the youths and improve their livelihoods."

The distribution according to Okot will begin next because the 300 beehive have since been procured, and they waiting for clearance and guidance from Entomology department under Kitgum District Local Government. Banabas Opiyo, the Kitgum District Senior Entomology officer, welcomed the initiative and urged WAPU to implement the project without delay.

"Beekeeping is one of the cheapest types of farming, and anyone can use available materials without spending money," Opiyo said. "I encourage World Aid Paciferous Uganda to implement this project as soon as possible to engage these youths." He predicted that the project will have a positive impact on the livelihoods of the school dropout youths in Labongo Amida West Sub-county, providing them with a sustainable source of income and promoting self-reliance.