Uganda’s youth face a severe employment crisis, with nearly 18% unemployed, about 50.9% of Ugandan youth aged 18-30 are classified as NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training), and most SMEs undercapitalized and informal highlighting the urgent need for integrated skilling, financing, and market‑linkage solutions to unlock their potential. From 2023 to 2026, the SENDEA Institute for Energy and Management empowered 616 Don Bosco students through Employability & Entrepreneurship Boot Camps across Uganda, SENDEA subcontracted by Jugend Eine Welt as a local implementing partner on the Gender Matters Programme for Green TVETs in Uganda for 4 years with funding from Jugend Eine Welt and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the implementing body of the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC). Of the 616 students, 176 were girls (29%), underscoring our commitment to advancing gender inclusion in technical and entrepreneurial training. Annual participation steadily grew, with 146 students in 2023, 152 students in 2024, 150 students in 2025, and 167 students in 2026.
Most recently, on 12th–13th June 2026, the Sendea Institute conducted its 12th Employability & Entrepreneurship Boot Camp at Don Bosco Palabek, located within the Palabek Refugee Settlement in Northern Uganda. The training reached both Ugandan citizens and refugees, equipping 35 students (11 girls and 24 boys) from Electrical Installations, Solar Technologies, and Agriculture programs. This built on earlier boot camps in Eastern Uganda at Don Bosco Kamuli, which trained 66 students (25 girls, 41 boys), and in Central Uganda at Don Bosco Bombo, which trained 67 students (20 girls, 47 boys). Altogether, 168 students were empowered in 2026 across the three institutions, spanning Electrical Installation, Solar Technologies, Plumbing, and Agriculture.
During these intensive sessions, participants gained hands‑on skills in marketing strategies, business start‑up management, financial literacy, personal and business development tools such as SWOT analysis, and soft skills in job‑readiness and entrepreneurship. These boot camps continue to bridge the gap between education and the job market, equipping young people both citizens and refugees with practical competencies for employment and self‑employment. At Sendea Institute, we are dedicated to nurturing a generation that is innovative, entrepreneurial, and fully prepared for the world of work through a holistic approach that combines Internships, Mentorship, Job placement services, Skilling and upskilling initiatives, and Tailored training programs. By integrating practical experience with guided mentorship and market‑relevant skills development, we empower young people to confidently transition into the labour market, drive innovation, and contribute to a sustainable and inclusive economy.
Sendea extends its profound appreciation and recognition to the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and Jugend Eine Welt for their generous funding and support of this program; to the Project Development Office (PDO) in Kamuli for spearheading implementation; to the Salesians of Don Bosco institutes for their steadfast mobilization of students; and to the Gender Matters for Green TVETs Programme in Uganda for their invaluable guidance and support. The Sendea Institute remains unwavering in its dedication to building technical and entrepreneurial capacity among Uganda’s youth, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and advancing the transition to a green and inclusive economy.