STORIES
EXPERIENCE OF ALUMNI
A success Story of ARU’s Sister Led Youth Program in the West Nile Region
STORY OF CHRISTINE MALIKO
It was all smiles and gratitude from Christine, when Sr. Caroline Bacia, the coordinator of Sister-Led Youth initiative (SLYI), a program under the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU) went to visit one of the program’s beneficiaries.
Sister Led Youth program focuses on vocational training, mentorship, and startup support, enabling beneficiaries to build sustainable livelihoods within their communities. Christine from Arua, which is in the Northern Uganda, is among the many young people whose lives have been transformed through this program, with the support Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and Global Solidarity Forum (GSF).
SLYI enrolled Christine in a salon and hairdressing course at Flaminio Vocational Training Centre, where she completed her training in 2023. Later, the program supported her advanced skills at Divine Mercy Vocational Training Centre, graduating in 2025 with enhanced expertise in her field.
After completing her studies, Christine gradually built her experience through internship work before establishing her own salon business with support of the startup kits. Her dedication and quality service attracted a growing number of clients, earning her recognition within the community.
“ARU supported me to gain these skills, and now I am able to work, earn a living, and even train others,” Christine says. “I started small, but customers kept coming because of the good work.”
Her growing expertise opened further opportunities. She successfully trained one student over a three-month period and was later engaged by Muni University under the Refugee and Host Community Youth Empowerment and Transformation Initiative (RETI). Through the three-month program, Christine trained ten students in salon and hairdressing.
The trainees were assessed through practical examinations under the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) modular system and are expected to receive recognized certification.
Christine attributes her progress to ARU’s Sister Led Youth Initiative continued support and emphasizes the importance of skills development among young people. Reflecting on her journey, Christine encourages fellow youth to take initiative and make use of available opportunities.
“Do not be idle, make use of your skills and the tools you have.”
Christine’s story is only one out of the over 700 youths who have been supported with the help of Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, and the Global Solidarity Forum (GSF). Other youths have been trained in the areas of; Garment cutting and design, Motor Vehicle Mechanics and Motorcycle Repair, Catering and Hotel Management, Carpentry and Joinery, Building and Concrete Practice, Plumbing and pipe Fitting, Welding and Metal Fabrication and others. ARU is so grateful for GSF’s incredible support, without them, this would not be possible.
THE STORY OF DESIRE GODFREY AS DETERMINED PRACTIONER OF MOTOR VEHICLE MECHANICS
It sounded untruthful when Desire Godfrey received the message of becoming a beneficiary of the ARU Sister Led Youth Initiative as he faced challenges with financial stability, confidence and direction.
Desire attributes his progress to the support received from the Association of Religious in Uganda that holds the most vulnerable in heart as well as the working tool kit that opened for him a way to start his own small enterprise.
“Today my standard of living has greatly improved because the skills I gained and tool kit received now enable me to earn income every day, even if small. This is has made me self-reliant; able to manage my own social enterprise and in position to support my family, which brings me pride. I am no longer shy. My social relationships are strengthened. I am now more confident, willing to participate in community activities, and able to contribute meaningfully to those around me”.
His hard work also attracted young boys who expressed interest of learning.
“The skills I have empowered me to train other youths in my community, sharing the knowledge ARU instilled in me, which did not just give me skills, it gave me dignity, purpose and ability to shape my own future while uplifting others so that we grow together.”
Beyond the economic and social changes, the initiative has built a strong foundation for academic progress as Desire Godfrey feels prepared, motivated, and hopeful about his future waiting to join for his diploma.
“I am deeply grateful to ARU for investing in me. Many blessings and long live”
To all my friends in the family of ARU alumni, life is not success but it’s a journey to destination through struggles and sacrifices always to meet our needs with time. Remember; no body is late with learning as long as there is hope and purpose for livelihood, never give up!
I remain Desire Godfrey.
GODFREY LEADS MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING AT ST. JOSEPH’S VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE.
