My name is Nyamaizi Florence, a 25-year-old graduate of URDT-I under trainer Mugabi Ronald, where I was empowered through soft and vocational skills training.
I am a proud welder. I completed a 3-month welding training program in August 2023, but felt I wasn’t yet fully skilled. I requested Mr. Mugabi for extra three months of training for suitable experience. After continuous practice, I was confident enough to work independently.
Following that period, I remained employed with the goal of eventually starting my own workshop. Three months later, I got married and shared my vision with my partner, who supported my idea. We planned the necessary resources and launched our welding workshop at Byerima Trading Centre in March 2024.
Nyamaizi Folrence at her workshop in Byerima Trading Centre in Bukwiri Subcounty
As a graduate of Cohort 8, I received support from URDT-I, which included a grant of five hundred thousand shillings during the 2nd graduation ceremony of Kyankwanzi district in November,2023. This helped me install electricity at my workshop site.
Today, I successfully run a small welding business at Byerima Trading Centre, located along the Bukwiri-Kisita road in Kyankwanzi District. I have started earning a stable monthly income of UGX. 300,000 that supports us in the provision of necessary family needs. My workshop has gained a good reputation in the community due to the quality of my work. I mainly provide welding services to people constructing permanent houses. I have also begun mentoring a young person in the
Florence Nyamaiza working on her client’s products
I am deeply grateful to URDT-I for empowering me to become self-employed. I am especially happy to see my vision come true; making windows, doors, beds, and more but most importantly, I am glad that I am recognized, respected and accepted in a field traditionally dominated by men.
I also appreciate the partnership between URDT-I and the Mastercard Foundation for their vision of investing in youth skills training, my parents for supporting my goals, my trainer and colleagues for their encouragement, and the Epicentre Manager for guiding me in discovering my passion. Also, continued access to training and the ability to consult with my trainer whenever I face challenges have been crucial to my progress.
Despite my achievements, I do face some challenges. The welding business is somewhat seasonal. Most community members construct houses only after selling their crop harvests. Outside the harvest season, customer demand and income tend to drop.
Nyamaizi busy at work
