LANGO : Future Prospects Technical Institute Lira CEO Ogwang Calls on Families to Embrace Vocational Skills for Jobs and Self-Reliance

LIRA CITY, UGANDA— The Chief Executive Director of Future Prospects Technical Institute, Mr Geoffrey Ogwang, has called on parents and guardians to embrace vocational education as a practical pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance for young people.

Mr Ogwang made the call as students returned to the institute for the new semester, urging families not to overlook technical and vocational education at a time when many young people are seeking opportunities to earn a living.

Speaking at the institute's campus in Ober Kampala, Lira City, Mr Ogwang said the institution was encouraged by the response from parents, with many returning students to continue their studies during the final one-and-a-half months of the current academic period.

 “We are happy to see parents bringing their children back. This shows that they now understand the value of vocational training. A skill is a lifetime job — it never expires,” Mr Ogwang said.

Appeal for Flexible School Fees

Mr Ogwang also appealed to school leaders and administrators to consider allowing parents facing financial difficulties to make partial payments, saying economic hardships should not prevent young people from acquiring practical skills.

 “I kindly request school leaders to allow parents to pay half fees. Things are not okay. Many families are struggling. If we insist on full payment, we shall lock out children who need these skills the most. Let us be flexible and save the future of these young people,” he said.

He said the remaining weeks of the academic period are particularly important because students have to complete practical exercises, assessments and theoretical work.

According to the institute, practical training is central to its approach, with students expected to gain hands-on experience alongside classroom instruction.

Future Prospects Technical Institute offers a range of vocational and technical programmes intended to equip learners with practical skills that can be applied in employment or self-employment.

Among the courses offered are:

* Plumbing

* Electrical Installation

* Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

* Motor Vehicle Mechanics

* Tailoring and Garment Design

* Painting and Decoration

* Welding and Fabrication

* Computer Studies and ICT

Mr Ogwang said the diversity of programmes is intended to give young people different options depending on their interests, abilities and career ambitions.

“Our courses are practical and directly linked to the job market. Whether it is plumbing, electrical, welding, tailoring, motor vehicle mechanics, air conditioning, painting and decoration, or computer studies — every student who joins us leaves with a skill they can use to earn a living,” he said.

A Longstanding Technical Education Institution

Future Prospects Technical Institute was established in Lira City by Mr Ogwang, an experienced educator who has worked as an instructor in different educational institutions.

The institute says it has spent more than two decades providing technical education and practical skills to young people in the Lango sub-region.

Its emphasis on hands-on training reflects the growing importance of vocational education in preparing young people for occupations where practical competence is essential.

For graduates, vocational skills can provide opportunities in formal employment, private businesses, contract work and self-employment. Some skilled workers can also use their technical knowledge to establish small enterprises and employ other young people.

From Job Seekers to Job Creators

Mr Ogwang said the institute's ambition goes beyond preparing students to look for employment.

“We are not just training students; we are training job creators. Our goal is to see every graduate of Future Prospects Technical Institute become an employer or a self-employed professional,” he said.

He encouraged parents to consider technical education alongside conventional academic pathways when making decisions about their children's future.

 “Academic papers alone are not enough today. We urge parents to bring their children for vocational training because it is a lifetime job. A plumber, an electrician, a welder, a tailor, a mechanic — these are people who never lack work. Even in a tough economy, skilled hands are always needed,” he said.

Skills for a Changing Economy

As Lira City continues to expand, demand for construction, electrical installation, vehicle repair, plumbing, ICT, refrigeration, garment production and other technical services is likely to remain an important part of the local economy.

For institutions such as Future Prospects Technical Institute, the challenge is to ensure that students receive training that combines classroom knowledge with practical competence and prepares them for the realities of the workplace.

Mr Ogwang said the institute remains committed to helping young people acquire skills that can support them beyond school.

He concluded by urging parents in Ober, Lira City and neighbouring communities to take advantage of vocational education opportunities.

“I call upon all parents in Ober, Kampala, and beyond to bring their children to Future Prospects Technical Institute. The remaining one-and-a-half months are enough to make a difference. Let us work together to secure the future of our children through skills, not just certificates,” he said.