Ihushi

"If our young people learn vocational skills, they can be a force for developing the community," argued Emmanuel Buguba, when in 1999 he decided that IDC's first venture would be a vocational school. "Otherwise, the youth will move to cities, where many will end up in slum areas and become a burden to the country."

Now IDC runs a well-functioning two-year vocational school with 25 students in each grade. The school teaches not only vocational skills – as tailors, carpenters, masons and welders – but also self-confidence and mutual respect as young men and women. And just like Emmanuel predicted, these young people are now a valuable force for continued community development – in Ihushi and also in neighbouring villages and towns.

Practical exercises at school are necessary but not sufficient. Students also need practice in "real job situations". Therefore, IDC takes on various assignments, such as building rainwater tanks or making school benches or sewing up school uniforms for sale. These assignments also contribute to IDC's own revenues. Read more about such a mission in Kwimba District, spring 2013.

IDC strives to help students to get practice after graduation... Read more.