Rukungiri: A total of 173 students have graduated from Nyakibale Vocational Training Institute during its 9th graduation ceremony held in Nyakibale, Southern Division, Rukungiri District.
The ceremony held on February 28, was presided over by the main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Conrad Atuhaire, the Parish Priest of Nyakibale Catholic Parish. In his address, Fr. Atuhaire commended parents for the sacrifices they made to educate their children, noting that parental support plays a key role in students’ success.
Fr. Atuhaire encouraged the graduates to prioritize financial stability and supporting their parents before rushing into marriage. He also urged parents to continue enrolling more children in vocational institutions, emphasizing the importance of skills-based education. He advised the graduates to make good use of their hands and opportunities by working hard and avoiding unproductive activities.
The Academic Registrar, Amos Kanyinondi, thanked God for the students’ good performance. He revealed that out of the 173 graduates, 17 students attained first-class results at both certificate and diploma levels.
The Principal of the institute, Sr. Theresa Namusisi Masonko, highlighted the institute’s future plans, including the construction of a new classroom block, although she noted that funding remains a major challenge.
Sr. Namusisi further disclosed plans to acquire a school bus to facilitate academic tours and to improve institutional projects such as piggery, poultry, and banana plantations. She added that these initiatives aim to enhance practical learning and prepare students to compete favorably in the labor market.
The Chief Guest, Nobert Kagoro, observed that some students complete schooling without obtaining formal documents, stressing the value of certified vocational skills in the fight against poverty.
