How Matungu TVC Is Opening Education and Job Opportunities for Youth

The ongoing construction of Matungu Technical and Vocational College (TVC) is raising hopes among residents of Namberekeya, with the institution expected to bring technical education and employment opportunities closer to young people.

Residents said the college was already benefiting the local community through construction-related jobs and small businesses.

Ekesa, a resident of Namberekeya village, said parents and villagers welcomed the college because it had brought training opportunities closer to their children. 

He said many young people had wanted to pursue courses such as engineering, carpentry and catering but had been unable to travel far because of school fees and other expenses.

Ekesa said the institution would enable young people from the area and those coming from other places to acquire skills and avoid being left behind. 

He also said the college would contribute to the growth of the area by attracting businesses and accelerating development around the institution.

"As you can see, this area will expand, and business will grow. Although there is no electricity, we hope electricity will also come very soon," he stated.

Joseph Odunga, a Form Four leaver from Matungu near Namberekeya, said the construction of the college had already given young people hope, with some earning income through daily work at the site. 

He said women were also benefiting by preparing food for construction workers and expanding their small businesses.

"This school is benefiting young people because some youths are already earning income from working during the construction," he noted.

Odunga said the college would give young people who had previously been unable to join institutions far from home an opportunity to continue their education closer to their families. 

He said students interested in electrical engineering, catering and other short technical courses would have a nearby institution where they could acquire practical skills.

"The young people have also realized that the government remembers them and has brought a school closer to them; it gives them the motivation to finish high school and continue with higher education," he added.

On her part, Elizabeth Auma Ekesa said residents were happy that Matungu Technical and Vocational College had been established closer to the community. 

She said having children train near home would help parents save money that would otherwise be spent on transport and redirect those resources towards school fees and other educational needs.

"We feel good because this school has been brought closer to us. Most of the time, when a child has to go to school far away, sometimes you may not have money for transport, or the school fees may be too high. Having it nearby has made things more convenient for the locals," she stated.

Elizabeth said the college was also creating opportunities for residents through construction work, casual employment and small businesses. 

She said locals could earn income by working at the site or selling vegetables and other goods, with the proceeds helping families meet their food and education expenses.

Elizabeth said the institution would further benefit young people after graduation by equipping them with practical skills such as tailoring, cooking and other technical courses. 

According to her, the skills would help graduates secure employment, become self-reliant and improve their livelihoods.

Elsewhere, traders, boda boda riders and residents along the Muhoroni-Mamboleo Road have welcomed the ongoing transformation of the route.

The road had remained in poor condition for more than two decades, with potholes and dust affecting boda boda operators, motorists, traders and other residents. 

The ongoing road works have raised hopes that improved transport will attract investment, create employment and make it easier for residents to access essential services.

Duke Gesora, a boda boda rider and resident of Mamboleo, said he moved to the area in 2014 and found the road already in poor condition. 

He said the state of the road had significantly affected boda boda operators and other residents who depended on it for their daily activities.

"This road has been in poor condition for more than 20 years. I came here in 2014 and found the road in a bad state, and it has greatly affected people such as us in the boda boda business," he said.

Duke said the poor condition of the road also affected the number of customers visiting the area. 

He noted that dust from the road discouraged people from travelling to Mamboleo, while motorists were also deterred by the numerous potholes.

"We used to lose customers because of the dust coming from this road. Many people were afraid of the dust. Those who owned cars were also afraid to come to Mamboleo because of the potholes that were all over the road," he added

Duke expressed optimism that completion of the road would bring significant benefits to residents and businesses. 

He said investors had started returning to the area and that increased investment would create development opportunities and jobs, particularly for young people.