Alice (not real name) is an example of a young girl forced into early marriage by the circumstances beyond her control. At the tender age of 17 she gave birth to her first born and had to struggle with the poverty in the family. Having lost her parents at the age of 14 she had no one else to turn to as she cared singlehandedly for her 3 siblings. At 16 she could not take it any more so she got involved with a man just to get support.
Alice came to COWA CVTS and trained in tailoring. She completed four years ago. Being a determined girl who at that time had again the second child, she passed very well. She suffered domestic violence, separated and today Alice is in one of Kampala suburbs where she has started her own Tailoring School. She targets Child mothers, other vulnerable girls and women who are experiencing domestic violence. She is happy to give others what she has been given too. She has 20 trainees. Others come with their babies even in class because there’s nobody to take care of them at home while they come to train but they are determined to make it like their teacher Alice.
Madame Nalunkuma Fatuma, The screen printing instructor is an old trainee of COWA C.V.T.S who has encouraged a number of girls in the school to put more efforts in artistic subjects. “With art you can put up small workshops in your homes and be self sustainable” she said. She also advises parents/guardians not to discourage children from opting for art subjects; but instead encourage them. Her dad had discouraged her from taking art; however she went on with her choice and she succeeded: this has made her happy as she is imparting knowledge in young girls. |
