THE APPRENTICESHIP GRADUATION CEREMONY | EVENT REPORT Determined Resilient AIDS-free Mentored and Safe Adolescent girls and young women 15 th June 2017: Ngombere sub-county - Mukono, Uganda
The real issue: When young girls drop out of school due to lack of tuition, early pregnancy or marriage, their destinies are threatened. Majority are not equipped with the skills they need to earn a living, to live healthy and have a decent life. These young women end up embroiled in risky behavior that put them at risk of HIV and AIDS. The DREAMS activity mentors adolescent girls and young women at risk between the ages of 10-24 in different segments including; in-school, pregnant and those in transactional sex.
Apprenticeship graduation
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In summary: 30 graduands. Venue: Mukono. Award: Community practice certificates in hairdressing and tailoring.
New possibilities:
The project has turned around the lives of young girls by equipping them with livelihood skills such as hair dressing, tailoring, baking, soap and candle making, and other community skills. The girls are empowered to earn a living and care for themselves and their families. Upon completion of the training, successful participants are graduated. DREAMS has been operating in Mukono District since 2016.
I was involved in commercial sex and that was my way of making money. I have learned hair dressing skills. I also now know about HIV and AIDS and how it can be prevented. I’m happy I will make money in a meaningful way and contribute to the needs of my family. Justine N. - DREAMS activity participant.
On the first apprenticeship graduation held on 15th, June 2017, 30 young women from Ntenjeru and Mpunge sub-counties in Mukono District who successfully completed the program graduated. The celebration was presided over by local government authorities and AVSI representatives. Graduands received certificates and start up tool kits for their enterprises.
About DREAMS:
The DREAMS empowerment package: HIV counseling and testing | Social asset building | Parenting and care giver programs | Combined socio economic interventions | ECD | Psychosocial support | Gender norms.
The USAID-funded Determined Resilient AIDS-free Mentored and Safe Adolescent girls and young women activity implemented by AVSI Foundation works in partnership with Makerere Walter Reed, CHC, ASISIST and RTI for other layered services. DREAMS identifies social activities that help young women and girls develop their individual sense of self, including confronting issues such as identity, autonomy, intimacy, sexuality and achievement.