Success Stories of former students of Karamoja Bible & Vocational School

Alumnus Amei Abraham is at the construction site, building a house for his client. Duncan Ojiambo visited Abraham’s site. Finding him busy implementing the skills he acquired.

My highest level of formal education is Primary four (Primary .4). I dropped out of school because my parents couldn’t afford to pay for my school fees; secondly, we Karamojongs do not value education as much. Lastly, schools were very far from my village, which required me to walk for over fifteen kilometers to attend school.

When the Church of Christ brought light to us through the gospel of Jesus Christ, I believed, and later on, when the Bible School was established, I immediately enrolled. I took four years pursuing Bible courses for both Basic and Advanced in Biblical studies and Ministry. Later on, Vocational Training was introduced; I enrolled and did a course in Brick Laying & Concrete Practice (BCP) for a period of one year.

About my life before enrolling at KBVS, I was hopeless and without direction. Am grateful that after my Bible courses at Karamoja Bible & Vocational School for 4 years, my life started changing slowly. I am now an evangelist, can teach the word of God, I know how to solve conflicts in the church, and I have planted a church.

The vocational course of Brick Laying has blessed my life and my family in many ways. Before learning this building skill, I was predominantly in the village, the only source of income was through cutting firewood from the bush in the village for sale in order to take care of the family’s basic needs. I also used to hunt for wild animals for food and for sale to our local markets.

After acquiring the skill and winning building contracts, I have been able to make some money, which I saved over time and used to buy the plot of land in Lorengecora township. I built my home and settled here, moving from the village. Being near the small town has created more opportunities for construction sites. I am now able to take care of the family’s needs like food, school requirements, clothes, etc.

Through the skill, I have gained relationships (friends), I can now support my parents and in-laws financially, I started a piggery project through the savings, I have my small permanent house for the family; the skill has made me reach far places.

I am a born of Lokitela village, Lorengecora ward “B”, Napak Town Council, Napak district. Am a Karimojong by tribe. My highest level of education is standard four (S.3).

Before joining KBVS, I used to move from place to place rearing people’s animals in Mbarara, Gulu, and Fort Portal, which never transformed my life.

I got the opportunity to join Karamoja Bible & Vocational School in the year 2023, pursuing a course in Brick Laying & Concrete Practice and Biblical studies. Learning the Bible changed my life; I got to know God through His word, and also my behavior and view of the world changed. I also got friends from different parts of the community while at school.

After graduation, by God’s grace, I was blessed to join Excel construction company, which was unbelievable to me. Immediately after school, I was able to gain more experience, which shaped a brighter future for me. I have also worked with an Oil and Gas Company in Sembabule district; I also worked with Excel Company when they got another contract in Namutumba district. The skill gained has marketed me in different places, i.e., Moroto, Sembabule, Namutumba, Napak town council, and many others.

KBVS changed my life from moving to places rearing people’s cattle, my name changed from herdsman to engineer; we give God the glory.

We pray for the school to introduce Levels I & II so that we can upgrade in line with our profession. There are opportunities that come our way but require higher qualifications.

In my conclusion, God can change anyone at any time.

I am a born of Matany in Napak district, Karamoja. I am a wife to AMEI ABRAHAM. I studied up to primary six (P.6) and dropped out of school due to a lack of school fees. I spent four years at KBVS studying theology, both Basic and advanced courses, along with a course in tailoring.

Before coming to KBVS, life was difficult; the only source of livelihood was through full dependence on the provision of my husband, collecting firewood for sale. I had no hope of staying in an urban setup.

After acquiring a skill at KBVS, I was able to start up a workshop in Lorengecora town with my tailoring machine that the school donated to me upon graduation in 2023. Out of the earnings, I am able to support my husband with the financial needs of our family. When we were constructing our home, I made a contribution towards that work by buying 15 iron sheets and four bags of cement; the family is guaranteed a daily income through my workshop, am also able to take care of my parents.

I have improved on my tailoring skills through research, which has enabled me to make a wide range of cloth designs, and this has attracted more customers because they know me as someone who can meet their demands regarding new fashions

I am able to make school uniforms for my children and help my husband get scholastic materials at school.

I am deeply appreciative of the donors and directors for the investment in skilling me; this skill was the game-changer in my life; I will forever be grateful to you and the Almighty God.