Commonwealth Secretary-General opens youth centre in Northern Uganda: “A triumph of hope over despair” – Don McKinnon
19 November 2007
Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon officially opened the Northern Uganda Youth Development Centre (NUYDC) in Gulu, Uganda on 17 November 2007.
Around 250 people gathered at the Centre outside Gulu to participate in the opening ceremony. They included national and regional politicians, local religious leaders, Commonwealth dignitaries, and young people affected by the war and who had participated in the development project.
Mr McKinnon described the Centre as a “triumph of hope over despair,” which will allow more than 4,000 people to be trained in vocational and life skills, entrepreneurship, peace and conflict management and HIV/AIDS awareness. “The Commonwealth is always there for the long run,” he added.
The Centre, which is surrounded by satellite settlements of people displaced by the 20-year civil war in the region, will also provide psycho-social counselling and health advice to help young people re-integrate into the community.
Most of the youths in the area have never known anything but war and many were abducted as children from their home villages to fight for the Lord’s Resistance Army, suffering appalling abuse and deprivation.
Joseph Okema, Programme Manager of NUYDC told guests how the Centre would provide skills training including Information Technology and agri-business and would continue to fight against HIV/AIDS, which has affected many in the area. “We want to train people to learn to live in peace with one another,” he said. Peace building workshops will be a cornerstone of the project’s work.
He described how, just a year ago, the land had been bush. “Now there are buildings,” he said, thanking the Commonwealth, the Government of Uganda and development partners for their support.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem-Okello described Gulu as “hell on earth” just 18 months ago. “It is a miracle we are here today,” he said, reminding guests that although there was physical peace, peace in the hearts and minds of people in Northern Uganda is still to come.
“There are hundreds and hundreds of young people who have lost their future. Lives here have to be rebuilt to ensure that Northern Uganda can be rebuilt,” he added.
During the colourful and happy ceremony, the Secretary-General issued certificates to 28 young women to mark the end of their crafts training, which began under the auspices of NUYDC eight months ago. Four of the women have already secured jobs.
Earlier Mr McKinnon and Deputy Secretary-General Florence Mugasha toured the Centre, which includes offices, training rooms and a day care facility for young women with children – a donation from the Royal Commonwealth Society.
Crafts products were on display, including colourful cloths and beadwork. Dancers and musicians from the University of Gulu entertained guests, while young boys from the Labora Brass band performed the National Anthem.
For further enquiries, please contact Victoria Holdsworth, Communications Officer on +44 789 459 3520 or v.holdsworth@commonwealth.int
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