top of page

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty—The Power of Vocational Training in Urban Slums

Vocational training in hairdressing by UYDEL in Kampala, Uganda


Today, as we observe the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we are reminded of the urgent need to address the deep-rooted causes of poverty, especially in the world’s most vulnerable communities. This year’s theme, "Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting Dignity in Practice for All", reinforces the importance of equipping marginalized populations with skills and opportunities that can break the cycle of poverty.


Poverty is not just about income deprivation; it is a multi-dimensional problem affecting health, education, and quality of life. We have written extensively about this complexity and provided empirical evidence and context for many of the health disparities and outcomes related to poverty. More specifically, in urban slums, where millions of people across the world struggle to survive, the challenges of poverty are often compounded by overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to essential services like healthcare and education outlining many key public health concerns. In places like Kampala, Uganda, where 60% of the population lives in slum areas, the need for sustainable interventions is particularly acute.


Why Vocational Training is Crucial

Vocational skills training offers a lifeline for individuals in these communities, particularly young people who are eager to build better futures but lack access to the necessary resources. By providing hands-on training in trades such as hair dressing, carpentry, tailoring, mechanics, catering, and entrepreneurship, vocational programs can empower individuals to create sustainable livelihoods. This training offers more than just job skills—it instills self-confidence, independence, and the ability to contribute to the local economy.

For young women living in urban poverty, vocational training is especially transformative. In many slum areas, gender disparities limit women's access to formal education and employment. Vocational programs tailored to their specific needs, such as the one that is evaluated as part of the TOPOWA project in Kampala, provide young women with the practical skills they need to earn a living and also the social and emotional support to navigate a complex social landscape. We are examining several different aspects of this training within the context of social determinants of health. As part of our prospective cohort study we examine these issues empirically to inform new strategies and intervention that can be incorporated in vocational and skill training programs.



The Importance of Research: TOPOWA Project

While vocational training has demonstrated its potential to transform lives, there is still a critical need for research to understand how and why these programs may succeed in also improving mental and physical health outcomes for young people. This is the purpose of the National Institutes of Health funded TOPOWA project, which is currently investigating whether vocational training and economic empowerment can improve the mental health and well-being of young women in Kampala's urban slums. By gathering evidence through rigorous research, the TOPOWA project will help ensure that future interventions are even more targeted and effective, thereby maximizing the positive impacts of vocational training.



An integral partner in the TOPOWA project is the Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL), a community-based organization that has served thousands of youth across Kampala. For years, UYDEL has provided skill-building and vocational training opportunities as well as referrals for health concerns to vulnerable young people, empowering them with the tools to escape cycles of poverty and build sustainable livelihoods. UYDEL's longstanding success in these efforts makes it a cornerstone in supporting youth development, and its collaboration in the TOPOWA project further strengthens its impact.



Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

The impact of vocational training extends beyond the individual to the entire community. When people are equipped with skills, they can become self-reliant, support their families, and contribute to local economies. Furthermore, skilled workers can help address the infrastructure deficits in slum communities, whether through home construction, sanitation projects, or small business ventures. Programs that integrate vocational training with entrepreneurship also create opportunities for innovation and job creation. As participants move from training into business ownership, they create employment opportunities for others, helping to stabilize the local economy and reduce dependence on external aid.



Empowering the Next Generation

For young people, particularly in urban slums, vocational training represents hope. It bridges the gap between education and employment, ensuring that even those who are unable to complete formal schooling have a pathway to economic independence. This aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).


Vocational training programs should ideally be designed to meet the local needs of each community. Collaboration between governments, academic institutions, NGOs, and community organizations is critical to ensure that training is relevant, sustainable, and accessible. Moreover, integrating life skills and mental health support into these programs can help participants overcome not only economic barriers but also the emotional toll of poverty. A research question we will answer in our TOPOWA study.


Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, let us remember that eradicating poverty requires more than charity. It demands investment in human potential. Vocational training is a powerful tool for this investment, offering marginalized individuals the dignity of decent work and the hope of a brighter future.


Today, let’s recognize the importance of expanding vocational training in urban slums around the world. By doing so, we not only help lift individuals out of poverty but also strengthen entire communities. The fight against poverty is ongoing, but through sustained efforts, we can make meaningful progress.


For millions of people living in poverty, vocational training can be a pragmatic step toward a future where dignity, opportunity, and stability are within reach. Through research efforts like the TOPOWA project and the work of organizations like UYDEL, we can continue to refine and improve these programs, ensuring that they have the greatest possible impact on the lives of young people.


Let’s commit to making that future a reality.


Read more: www.UYDEL.org



1 Comment


Jacqueline Adikini
Jacqueline Adikini
Oct 18, 2024

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty emphasizes how crucial vocational training is in addressing systemic poverty, especially in urban slums like Kampala. The success of UYDEL’s programs in empowering vulnerable youth through skills training is a testament to the power of practical education in breaking cycles of poverty. By equipping young people, particularly women, with tools for self-reliance, initiatives like the TOPOWA project not only improve economic outcomes but also enhance mental well-being. It's inspiring to see such holistic approaches to poverty alleviation.

Like
bottom of page