SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCIAL ADVANCEMENT

 On 6th December 2024 I was invited as a chief trainer at a certain financial literacy training for over 100 youths. As these youths were introducing themselves I realized a wealth of experience that these youths had gained. They had been skilled in various options such as computer, music and art. In my view with mentorship and guidance these youths have what it takes to take the economy to the next level. The government has done a lot in skilling the youths and in fact the education reforms point to that. It is the way to go.

Our education system for long has been blamed for producing graduates with irrelevant skills in the market place. Each year over 400,000 graduates are produced by universities and they even hold graduation parties but after the parties the graduates face the reality of the job market. Recent studies showed that over 500,000 graduates are boda boda riders. Another article in the New Vision showed that over 15% of graduates are unemployed. Behind these statistics are real human beings struggling to survive. That is not a nice situation to be in where one can not afford to meet their needs yet they invested time in studying. All efforts should be made to reverse this dilemma. I have had a privilege of talking to several university students about their fate after campus. It is important for the youths to prepare for the unknown when they are still students. Gone are the days when a student will rely on their academic transcript as a shortcut to their dream job. Times have changed and they require a different set of thinking. Did the graduates know that even the people who are employed have an extra skill or business to make ends meet. Some graduates after completing university believe that they have completed studies. The truth is that such graduates need to embrace life long learning. People have got skills on internet and have started online businesses when a university graduate is still looking for jobs.

The university students need to be alert to the ever increasing problems and devise ways of solving them. According to Ambrose Kibuuka in his book After University What Next, even a course unit is good enough to make a university student relevant in society. We have seen musicians who never stepped into university make more money than established courses such as law and medicine. The key thing is what is our perception of society?


HOW TO MAKE MEANING OF OUR EDUCATION

1. Have a curious mindset

2.Believe in your ability to solve social problems

3.Seek mentorship 

4. Read to understand but not to pass exams 

5.Embrace life long learning

6. Learn from mistakes

7.Read news papers

8. Embrace online learning

Formal education is good but must be complimented with life long learning. We are living at odd times where the rate of change is scary. Money is becoming scarce yet the population is increasing. Artificial intelligence is disrupting the market and we need to upskill ourselves to remain relevant as discussed above.


Phillip Kiryowa

Personal Finance Coach 

Advanced Empowerment Link

+256752615916

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