HEDEF opens girls’ campus in Lubowa

By Ahmed Idriss

HEDEF Islamic and Vocational Institute has opened a girls’ campus in Kigo, Lubowa, Wakiso District, with 55 students being prepared for university studies in Türkiye after completing a three-year foundation programme.

The campus was officially opened on Monday, October 19, at a ceremony attended by Muslim leaders, government officials, representatives of Turkish humanitarian organisations and officials from the Business, Technical, Vocational Education and Training (BTVET) sector.

The ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, who represented the Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje.

The campus was built with support from Ngali Development Foundation, with funding from Dr Sahin Help in collaboration with German philanthropist Marc Gebauer.

HEDEF Branch Administrator Shadia Nabulime said the institute aimed to give girls an education that combines academic learning, Islamic values and practical skills they could use to earn a living.

The vocational courses offered include fashion and garment design, information and communication technology, home appliance repair and maintenance, catering, and Islamic studies.

“Never underestimate what you can achieve through Education and Commitment,” Nabulime told the students.

The institute’s Dean of Students, Abdulsalam Migabo, said 209 students were enrolled in the current programme, with 55 preparing to proceed to Türkiye for university education after completing the foundation course.

The three-year programme combines vocational training with Islamic studies, including Quran recitation and Tajweed, Hadith, Tawheed and Fiqh. Students also study Turkish to prepare them for further education in the country.

Migabo said the programme was designed to equip girls with the knowledge, practical skills and values needed to become self-reliant and contribute to their families and communities. He added that students who perform well academically and maintain good conduct could also be considered for employment opportunities within the organisation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ngali Development Foundation country director Sheikh Suleiman Hilmi said vocational education and moral development were important in preparing young people to contribute to national development.

He said empowering the younger generation through skills training and moral education was a better way to address social challenges than focusing solely on punishing wrongdoing.

Hilmi also reiterated the foundation’s motto: “We help you to help others.”

Waiswa also commended Ngali Development Foundation and other Turkish humanitarian organisations for supporting UMSC programmes, including education initiatives, Ramadan food assistance for vulnerable people and Qurbani activities.

After the opening ceremony, Waiswa and his delegation joined Dr Sahin in breaking ground for a kindergarten to be built on the same premises.