MASUNKWE, UGANDA – In a vibrant celebration of resilience and restoration, Central Girls Vocational School (CGVS) hosted its inaugural graduation ceremony on 26th March 2026. The event saw 162 young women flagged off into the world of work, marking a historic milestone for the school and the community of Bubuubi parish in Luwero district.
A New Beginning for Adolescent Mothers.
For the 352 participants and the global Girls Not Brides consortium, this event was more than a certificate handover; it was a powerful testament to the success of the “re-entry education” model. CGVS, a flagship project of the Anthill Foundation Uganda, was founded on the premise that a girl’s education should not end when she becomes a mother or a bride.
The ceremony showcased graduates who defied societal stigmas to master vocational trades, including:
- Tailoring
- Cosmetology
- Agriculture
- Digital Literacy
“This graduation marks a turning point,” noted Magezi Chrisostome, the School Principal. “We aren’t just awarding grades; we are celebrating the reclaiming of dreams that many thought were lost forever”.
Beyond the Classroom: A Holistic Model.
CGVS distinguishes itself by addressing the unique needs of young mothers. To date, the school has impacted 618 girls and young women in the district. Unlike traditional centers, CGVS cares for the students’ children, covering their nutrition, healthcare, and safety until graduation.
The Chief Guest, Ms. Shillah Ainembabazi (President of the Uganda National Students Association), shared her own inspiring story of being a teenage mother at 16 and bouncing back to pursue her degree and leadership roles. She emphasized the critical importance of scaling such inclusive models across the continent.
The Vision for the Post-Graduation Season.
As the school looks toward the future, leadership outlined three transformative pillars for expansion:
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Transitioning to solar energy to power digital tools and ensure safety in an area currently off the national grid.
- The ECD Advantage: Establishing a dedicated Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre on-site so children receive quality education while their mothers learn.
- Inclusive Expansion: Securing more land for “safe spaces” and lactation rooms to ensure holistic growth.
Join the Movement.
Central Girls Vocational School invites all duty bearers to join the effort to leave no girl behind. As these “Empowered for Generations” leaders step into the workforce, you can support the next chapter of expansion.
For more information or to support our initiatives, please contact:
- Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
- Phone: +256 200 924 122
