Standard Chartered Bank in partnership with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) on Wednesday held a work readiness initiative under its Futuremakers programme for over 200 youth at the Authority’s Employee Services Bureau in Kampala.
The initiative falls under the pillar of Empowering Youth and the Bank says it has undertaken such initiatives consistently over the years in each and every one of its sustainability initiatives.
That was the second of such initiatives the Bank has undertaken to empower the youth in partnership with KCCA, the inaugural one was successfully held mid-2018.
Several speakers shared their career journeys but also advised the youth in various areas of personal development. The Standard Chartered Bank speakers included; Edward Barlow – Country Head, Operational Risk , Charles Katongole – Head, Financial Markets, Hilary Ndugutse – Head, HR and Regina Mukiri – Head Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing.
The Bank also had a motivational speaker, Ethan Musolini speak to the youth while KCCA had representatives who included; Josephine Lubwama – Deputy Director Gender, Social Services and Community Development and James Lwanga – Manager Employability.
Edward Barlow said: “As a Bank we seek to foster economic growth, development and opportunity among the youth in Uganda and to demonstrate our ‘human’ values. We recognize that the security, prosperity and stability of our financial system, communities and economies depend on well educated, financially capable young people and entrepreneurs. I am confident that the information we are sharing will influence and prepare you for the dynamic work space that you are aspiring to penetrate”
On his part, Ethan Musolini while addressing the youth spoke about Success tips advising the youth to attend networking events, make contacts and grow their networks, maximize their potential.
He also talked about the importance of respecting and greeting people, being honest and hardworking , effectively utilizing opportunities whenever they arise, speaking up and selling themselves, discovering their gifts or talents as it’s what will help them excel.
He urged the youth to never seek permission to serve and that they should endevour to claim opportunities that come by.
He further addressed the young people on: “Goal setting and visioning, time keeping, not using their pasts as an excuse to hold them back, paying attention, being aggressive, minding their appearances especially their dress code as part of their packaging, being curious and excited, not angry when they meet someone better than them.”
He shared several practical examples like that of Eliud Kipchoge who used pacesetters class to support him succeed in completing a marathon in less than two hours. He also advised the youth to be steadfast and committed to their cause e.g. “If one is seeking a job then they need to make looking for a job their number one job.”
He also spoke about the importance of; coaching, setting goals, reading, the importance of everyone learning sales and marketing, consistency, self-esteem and productivity. He emphasized the need to know and reflect on what they are going to talk about as well as do and the need to use case studies, stories or facts as back up.
The KCCA team led by Ms Lubwama told the youth of free services relating to; labour market information to job seekers and the general public, they undertake job marching and recommend youth to various places of work and they are currently running a youth volunteer programme called “I Serve” where they offer hands on training for 6 months.
They also mentioned they offer free training in computer and are equipping youth with technical skills at their Kabalagala one-stop-youth-center, some of the trainings they offer over a 4 month period relate to; hair dressing , electrical installation and brick making.
They appreciated the Bank for their continued partnership in supporting the youth and proposed the need to join hands in supporting entrepreneurship training by ensuring youth access start-up capital.
The Bank thanked the management of KCCA for the longstanding partnership and cordial relationship vested in improving our communities and society at large.
