At just 22 years old, Kemigisha Alivious is redefining what it means to be a young woman in a male-dominated industry. She is one of 18 students, a mix of refugees and host community members, enrolled in the inaugural cohort of the Vocational Skilling Program, an initiative implemented by AIRD in partnership with UNHCR. The program aims to provide youth with hands-on technical training that translates directly into employable skills and long-term livelihoods.
Kemigisha’s journey into the mechanical world began not out of choice, but necessity. After dropping out of school due to financial constraints, she was uncertain about her future. That uncertainty began to fade when she was selected by AIRD to join the skilling program.
“Being a girl has not stopped me from achieving success in a male-dominated industry,” Kemigisha says confidently, her eyes gleaming with determination. “I can do everything they can do, and I have the right attitude for the job. In a few years, I will have my garage and excel in servicing and repairing vehicles.”
Currently undergoing industrial training at Formula 21, a modern facility run by AIRD in collaboration with CFAO, Kemigisha is gaining practical experience in vehicle diagnostics, repairs, and servicing. She’s not just learning; she’s applying her knowledge daily, working alongside experienced technicians and mentors.
The training follows a well-structured evaluation model that assesses knowledge retention, practical execution, teamwork, and initiative. Trainees are required to maintain weekly logbooks, compile a comprehensive training report, and undergo a final assessment, all culminating in a certification ceremony at the end of the year.
Kemigisha has embraced the opportunity fully, even using her voice to encourage other young women to think beyond traditional roles. “Girls shouldn’t see early marriage as a source of income,” she says. “We need to start looking for opportunities that empower us to work and to earn our own money, and I am grateful to AIRD and UNHCR for making that happen.”
Her story is not just about learning technical skills; it’s about transformation. Through determination and the right support, Kemigisha is building a future powered by confidence, competence, and ambition, proving that with opportunity, young women can drive change in even the most unlikely of places.
