The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has urged University students to embrace new skills and technology if they are to survive in the competitive world of work. He said this while addressing over 50 Students from Makerere University and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, while launching a 10-day training dubbed the Pearl of Africa Leadership Camp. The Leadership Camp brings together students from Makerere University and the University of Edinburgh who are sponsored by Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Mr. Matia Kabuye, the Ag. Director of Planning and Development Department (PDD) represented the Vice Chancellor at the event. He further urged students to consider trainings such as the Pearl of Africa Leadership Camp seriously.

“You are being trained to be the next generation of achievers and leaders, who will be committed to service in your community, country and even continent. My advice to you students is; participate and seize opportunities that are presented to you, both at the Universities and outside of them, because if you want to transform your communities, it starts now with the skills you are receiving.” The Vice Chancellor emphasized.

Prof. Nawangwe thanked Mastercard Foundation for offering extra skills to young people through such trainings as the Pearl of Africa Leadership Camp and other programs. He also thanked the Scholars Program team at Makerere University and their counterparts at University of Edinburg for the collaboration and for organizing the Pearl of Africa Leadership Camp. He pointed out that the collaboration between the Universities was very important and that it should be beginning of further engagements between the two Universities in other aspects such as research, innovation, student and staff exchanges and many other areas.

On his part, Mr. Matia Kabuye, who is also the Acting Coordinator of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University pointed out that the Pearl of Africa Leadership Camp was a distinctive platform that was designed to nurture and equip students with practical skills, which they do not get during their academic programs, which was very important.

“Throughout this 10-day training, I believe our young people will find that learning without the pressure of examination can be just as fun-filled and inspiring as play. I urge you to   be active participants and make the most of the opportunities available and tap into the great minds that are around you.” He pointed out.

The Pearl of Africa leadership Camp is 10-day academy, which was organized by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University in conjunction with their counterparts at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. The Leadership camp will equip the participants with both soft and transferrable skills as well community engagement.

Article by:  Mr. Bernard Buteera, MCF Communication and Web Officer