Iteme programme graduates determined to build brighter futures
The Iteme preparatory programme trains refugee and host community graduates with essential skills for higher education and employment.
FIFTY-ONE STUDENTS have graduated from the Iteme preparatory programme supported by Finn Church Aid (FCA) and Kepler, a nonprofit higher education program based in Kigali, Rwanda. The graduates include 36 refugees and 15 Ugandans who successfully completed the four months training programme.
The graduation ceremony held on 28th February 2025 at the FCA Solutions Hub in Kampala was conducted in the presence of the CEO of Kepler and FCA partners, including the Government of Uganda, UNHCR, Mastercard, Talent Beyond Boundaries, and the Luigi Giussani Foundation.
The Iteme programme empowers refugee and host community high school graduates by equipping them with essential skills for higher education access and employment. The programme focuses on proficiency in the English language, professional competencies, basic ICT skills, and numeracy, providing participants with the necessary tools and skills to pursue higher education and employment opportunities.
Building on dreams
“Today we celebrate not only your hard work but the great future that lies ahead of you after this rigorous preparatory training,” said Mr. Wycliffe Nsheka, Country Director of FCA Uganda, to the graduates.
“We are happy to note that 41% of participants have already accessed opportunities, both short-term and long-term, in university, vocational training, and short-term skilling. We are confident that the rest of you, who have not yet accessed opportunities, will be more than ready to pursue careers of your dreams and passions for further education and eventually secure meaningful employment opportunities. Please use the skills and take advantage of what Iteme has offered you through this training; this is now your key to access further training and sustainable employment,” he added.
Kepler CEO, Ms. Nathalie Munyampenda, encouraged the students to build on their dreams:
“No one is in charge of your dreams except yourself. We have trained you and given you the necessities; now it’s your chance to pursue your dreams. Follow up with us, with the officers, and find out which scholarships are available. Apply and pursue your dreams,” she said.
Mr. Nsheka appreciated the collaboration with Kepler and expressed FCA’s commitment to continuing support for the most vulnerable in both urban and rural refugee settlements.
Graduates excited about their future
Representing the graduates, Zoe Bakitha Peace appreciated Kepler and FCA for their support: “The training we have received has set us on a journey to greater paths, and we promise we shall make you proud as we pursue our dreams and become better people.
“Just like we learned that the word “Iteme” means bridge in Kinyarwanda, the Iteme programme has been a bridge for all of us, leading to tertiary education opportunities. The program has equipped us with essential skills such as SMART goal setting, entrepreneurship, essay writing, communication, networking, and interview techniques. We also received career guidance. Thanks to these skills, the gap between us and available opportunities has narrowed and will eventually close, and we are now able to navigate such opportunities independently with minimal guidance.
She added, “To my fellow graduates, this is not the end but the beginning of a new journey. Together, let’s go out and shine, proudly representing the Iteme Program, our families, and the communities that have shaped us. Our future is bright and the impact we will make starts now.”
Another graduate, Hanadi Mohammed Abdurahman said, “As the first cohort of the Kepler Iteme Program in Uganda, we have a responsibility to return to our communities and share the fruits the program has instilled in us. Before joining, I struggled with public speaking and networking. During the months of training, I gained experience in public speaking and critical thinking, and I improved my English. The mentorship, teamwork assignments, and personal challenges pushed me beyond my comfort zone, proving that real growth happens when we dare to step beyond what feels safe.
Today, I am a confident speaker, a proactive team player, and a more engaged community member. I feel prepared to take on new challenges.”
The Iteme training programme serves a diverse student base, representing both urban and rural refugee settlements. Since its inception in October 2024, the program has demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusiveness, with 73% of the students being women and 81% being refugees. The programme is ongoing, and currently, 53 students are actively participating in the training program at Nakivale refugee settlement in southwestern Uganda.
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Text: Linda Kabuzire
Images: FCA