By Otwakai Peterson Okwangadude
The Church of Uganda yesterday 31st of August 2024 facilitated an exceptional entrepreneurship training program for widows at Bethany Comprehensive School, Soroti, in collaboration with Quality Education Consultancy Ltd and Opul Skilling Foundation Africa.
The event was distinguished by the presence of Bishop Kosea Odongo, who urged the women to commit themselves wholeheartedly to the training, emphasizing the profound impact it could have on their futures and those of their children.
John Enomu represented the State Minister for Teso Affairs, Hon Dr Kenneth Ongalo Obote.
Entrepreneurship offers myriad advantages to the elderly, particularly those navigating the challenges of widowhood. It empowers them to achieve financial autonomy, thereby reducing dependence on external aid.
Dr Joseph Opul of QUECL, told this publication that, by engaging in entrepreneurial ventures, elderly individuals can establish sustainable sources of income, which are crucial for addressing everyday needs and healthcare expenses.
“Furthermore, entrepreneurship provides a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment, combating the isolation and despondency that often accompany aging,” Opul noted.
The training at Bethany equips participants with invaluable practical skills, enhancing their capacity to create and manage small enterprises effectively.
Such initiatives, according to Dr Opul, are indispensable in fostering resilience among the elderly, enabling them to continue contributing to their communities while preserving their dignity.
As Bishop Kosea aptly noted, this training is not merely a means of survival but a path to flourishing, laying the groundwork for a prosperous future for these women and their descendants.
The widows requested for practical skills training in soap making, bakery, jelly’s among others.