In December St.-Simon Peter Vocational Technical Institute in Hoima celebrated the graduation of 40 defensive driving trainees. 12 lucky ones even found jobs before graduating! Most of them shall work for international construction companies or for the emerging oil-and gas industry in Hoima.

Nicolas Kapondi is one of them. Having obtained his driving license C, he was already allowed to drive trucks. But his dream of working for an international company stayed out of reach as these jobs require a defensive driving certificate. “I promised the China Railway Group to get the certificate of this training. So they gave me a contract to start next week. Now I will drive lorries with stone materials, to  construct the roads around Hoima.”

The 6-month training is organized by Better World Uganda together with St.-Simon Peter and subsidized by BTC’s Skills Development Fund. Students are taught defensive driving techniques and road safety. Nicolas recognizes the need for such courses: “I used to drive a public taxi  without knowing the road signs. But thanks to the training I learned it.”  

Aside from the technical courses, trainees are taught life skills such as client service. Nicolas affirms the importance of such skills: “We practiced how to interact with drunk or aggressive costumers. Now we know better how to prevent conflicts.” Additionally, modules on fuel friendly driving and environmental responsibility stimulate trainees to respect the environment while they drive.

Tugume Desteo, program coordinator at Better World Uganda, sees the potential of defensive driving trainings in Hoima. “We include  the community by encouraging international companies to hire local drivers. These companies won’t have to spend time or money on unskilled drivers. It’s a win-win.”  He adds that oil- and gas producers such as Total and CNOOC estimate to each need 400 to 500 drivers in the coming years. This opens a great source for employment in the region.  

As the defensive driving certificate is recognized by the Ugandan Ministry of Work, it gives graduates national and even international work perspectives. The Skills Development Fund in Albertine-Rwenzori aims at sustainably improving the quality of technical and vocational trainings through public-private partnerships, in order to enhance the youth’s employability.