Academics
Alfred Ntagungira, a Technical & Vocational trainer, is making significant strides in promoting vocational education in Africa. As the founder and CEO of Ufundi Tech Afrika, Ntagungira is dedicated to equipping young people with the hands-on skills necessary for employability and job creation.
Before embarking on this mission, Ntagungira himself faced numerous challenges in his career. With a background in Civil Engineering and a certificate in management strategies for people and resources, he found himself struggling to secure decent work opportunities. Like many young people, Ntagungira realized that his academic qualifications were not enough to ensure his employability.
Determined to address this issue, Ntagungira decided to re-skill at St. Joseph Vocational Training Centre – Kamuli. There, he gained expertise in Bricklaying, Plastering, Concreting, Tiling, and Painting skills. This experience paved the way for his dedication to technical and vocational education.
Reflecting on his own journey, Ntagungira said, “My personal experience of struggle for employment has made me a dedicated Vocational trainer and advocate for Vocational Education because I do not want to see young people go through the difficulties I went through.”
Ntagungira actively engages in promoting vocational education through outreach awareness programs and various training programs at Ufundi Tech Africa. His initiative focuses on business-oriented hands-on skills, particularly value addition to locally available materials. Last year alone, he reached out to thirty-six secondary schools and interacted with more than five thousand students, challenging the notion that vocational pathways are inferior.
With a vision for a productive population and the understanding of Africa’s incredible potential in its youthful population, Ntagungira founded Ufundi Tech Afrika. The organization aims at training young people in hands-on skills that are crucial for employability and job creation.
In 2023, Ntagungira completed a mentorship program from World Skills International, which further enhanced his skills training to meet global standards. Now, he serves as the Head of the Building Construction department at Don Bosco Technical institute Kamuli, where he continues to empower young minds with the technical skills needed in the workforce.
Alfred Ntagungira’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to countless young people across Africa. His dedication to vocational education and his relentless efforts to bridge the skills gap are paving the way for a brighter future, where every young person has the opportunity to thrive in the workforce.
