Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with 78% of the population being under the age of 30.
Yimba Uganda is a youth empowerment NGO, based in Kampala, that provides specialist vocational training courses to disadvantaged youths so they can sustainably provide for themselves and their families. Yimba provides 6-month courses in Tailoring Fashion and Design and Hairdressing and Beauty including teaching on nails and manicure. Early in the tailoring course, students are taught about repairing clothes, so they are able to start earning while they are still learning. Each student is encouraged to enter a small savings scheme so that by the time they graduate enough funds are available to purchase a sewing machine for their own use. Yimba have recently introduced a training course in Music and Music production, including the production of music videos. This is a one-year course but may be extended owing to the range of skills being taught. All the courses teach business skills so that when the students graduate, they can confidently and competently run a successful business or secure sustainable and meaningful employment. There are weekly Bible studies. The project targets 50 students in total over the course of a year and is open to participation from both males and females equally. The project aims to grow and further develop the courses to ensure exceptional quality training, and a step above similar courses offered in Uganda. They also hope to expand their social enterprises to become less reliant on external funding
