On the 9th of May 2018, the technical servicing center of Africa Action Help (AAH) in Adjumani received a visit from 5 members of the European parliament’s Committee on Development (DEVE), headed by chairperson Mrs. Linda Mcavan.

The delegation interacted with students in welding, moto vehicle mechanics, motorcycle repair and plumbing. Enabel’s Support to Skilling Uganda project assists in the organization of these practical, short-term trainings through a Skills development fund for refugees and host communities, fueled by the European Union Trust Fund (EUTF).

AAH teamed up with local artisans to organize qualitative and market-relevant trainings with the financial aid of the Skills Development Fund. Currently, students gain practical experience in the garage during their 8-month trainings, including industrial attachment and coaching to work. And they appreciate it: “We now have better materials so we can exercise on real motorcycles and cars. We really learn to work with our hands.”, says 17-year old Motor Vehicle Repair student William Ojok. AAH manager Julius Oboth adds that “Currently students are better protected on the work floor, because we bought boots, overalls and glasses. ”

The visit concluded with a virtual reality demonstration used during SSU’s awareness campaigns to attract youth to technical and vocational training. With the help of virtual reality glasses, videos from activities in top-notch workshops and garages are brought to life and capture the attention of idle youth. “This is an innovative way to bring technical training to remote areas.” Commented Linda Mcavan, chairperson of the DEVE delegation.  “After this visit we can explain in the European Parliament that the EUTF contributions are used in a constructive way, because we saw it with our own eyes.”