St. Joseph Vocational Training Centre, Kamuli celebrated the fifth graduation ceremony on 27th June with pomp and glory. Indeed it was an academic pageantry for 110 students of our institute who completed their courses in 2013 and 2014.

The awarding ceremony was graced by the Right Honourable Speaker of the Uganda Parliament Rebecca Kadaga. She gave a glowing tribute to the Salesians working in Uganda. The Speaker praised our Salesian community in Namugongo for caring for the vulnerable children. She also eulogized the Salesian work of offering technical skills to poor youth.

She remarked

“the Salesians do untiring work among the school dropouts and the rural youth that are often not celebrated and appreciated… they are showing the young a good alternative to higher education and gainful employment.”

The celebration began with a well prepared Holy Mass that gave a prayerful beginning to the whole event. It was participated by various sections of the society, both of national and local community importance. The presence of the media made the event a ‘national importance’. We received publicity in Television, Radio and Newspapers. We believe that this event will uplift the school especially for the next year’s intake of students. The Principal, Fr. Denis’ report highlighted all the activities of the school. The Catholic weekly newspaper Munno Voice said that St. Joseph VTC, Kamuli is the largest church founded institute in Uganda, mentioning all the departments the centre specialises in.

Growth in Production Unit.

Our carpentry and metal fabrication department has been a beehive of activity in the last few weeks. This has helped us to train our students and helped us to meet the cost of training. Since January we have made school desks, hospital furniture, office installations, and furniture for private homes. We continue to keep the quality of our productions high in the local market.

Garage Project

In the coming weeks and months we are going to start the Don Bosco German Garage project planning and construction. This large project that intents to admit at least 100 students in Motor Vehicle Mechanics is exciting many young people.

Fr. Lazar Arasu, sdb.