Youth Livelihood and Skills Development Program

Program Overview

Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world — yet many young people face high unemployment, poverty, and lack of access to skills training. The Youth Livelihood and Skills Development Program at Humairah Charity Foundation (HUCHAFO) is designed to tackle this crisis by empowering youth with the practical skills, tools, and opportunities they need to build self-reliant and productive lives.

The program equips young men and women — especially orphans, school dropouts, and those in vulnerable communities — with vocational training, entrepreneurship skills, mentorship, and financial literacy to break the cycle of poverty and become active contributors to society.

Program Goals

• To reduce youth unemployment and dependency through skill-building and income generation

• To support youth-led entrepreneurship and small business development

• To empower young people to become self-reliant, confident, and socially responsible

• To promote economic inclusion and dignity for vulnerable youth, especially young women

Target Beneficiaries

• Out-of-school youth and school dropouts

• Orphans and vulnerable adolescents (ages 15–30)

• Young women and teen mothers

• Youth in low-income and rural communities

Key Program Components

1. Vocational and Technical Skills Training

• Hands-on training in marketable trades such as:

  • Tailoring and fashion design

  • Carpentry and construction

  • Hairdressing and beauty therapy

  • Welding and mechanics

  • ICT and digital skills

  • Agriculture and agribusiness

2. Entrepreneurship & Business Development

• Training in business planning, budgeting, marketing, and customer service

• Support in starting small-scale businesses or cooperatives

• Provision of start-up kits or tools for graduates

• Access to local markets, business mentorship, and exposure visits

3. Life Skills and Financial Literacy

• Coaching on communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership

• Workshops on saving, budgeting, and accessing microfinance opportunities

• Promoting responsible decision-making and personal development

4. Job Placement and Internship Support

• Creating linkages between youth and potential employers

• Facilitating internships, apprenticeships, and mentorships with local businesses

• Supporting job-readiness through CV writing, interview prep, and soft skills training

Implementation Approach

• Community-based training centers and mobile outreach programs

• Partnerships with vocational institutions, local businesses, and youth mentors

• Integration of Islamic values and moral guidance to ensure ethical entrepreneurship

• Continuous monitoring and follow-up to track impact and success stories

Expected Outcomes

• Increased employment and income levels among youth participants

• Greater self-confidence, purpose, and productivity among vulnerable youth

• Growth of youth-led businesses and income-generating activities

• Stronger families and communities due to empowered, self-reliant young people

Why This Program Matters

Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are the change-makers of today. Equipping them with skills and opportunities unlocks their potential and ensures they have the tools to thrive, support their families, and contribute to Uganda’s development.