Boosting Local Business Involvement in SERC’s Upskilling Uganda Project

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) is hosting a business breakfast to raise awareness of its partnership with Fields of Life and how local businesses can get involved in supporting the construction and operation of a purpose-built vocational training institute.

The breakfast will take place on Friday 4 October, 8.00am – 9.30am, The Linen Room, SERC Lisburn Campus, Castle Street, Lisburn.

SERC has been involved with the Northern Ireland based charity Fields of Life for the past 4 years’ and has raised over £17,000 to date. Claire Henderson, Head of International Development at SERC, said, “SERC’s charitable project, Upskilling Uganda, has had excellent support from the staff and students at the College.   It aligns with the very ethos of the College in that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn.   We have committed to support the building and operation of the vocational training institute and are delighted that construction has begun on Phase 1 of the project.

She added, “This project allows us to give something back by way of education, drawing on the wealth of experience of our staff, students and business partners here in Northern Ireland, so that young people in Uganda can undertake vocational training to help them build a brighter future for themselves.

She continued, “Companies can get involved in the project in a range of ways from making donations of equipment, sponsoring a young person’s journey through education, supporting or sponsoring fundraising events, mentoring and coaching or organizing employee-led fundraising activities. The impact that local businesses can make, and the boost to staff morale in contributing, can never be underestimated – it is a win-win for everyone involved.

She concluded, “SERC will continue to work with the charity raising funds through a wide range of activities including student fundraising, events and donations but we are keen to involve local businesses to boost the impact from our local community.

Fields of Life’s Chief Executive, Richard Spratt, said “This is an exciting project for Fields of Life as it is the first Vocational Training Institute we have committed to during our 26-year history of supporting the development of Primary and Secondary education in East Africa. We are delighted to have SERC as our Vocational Training Institute partner.

“Building works commenced in July 2019 with Phase 1 due to complete in June 2020. The last phase of the project, completion of the Vocational Training Institute, will see the original plans become a life-changing reality for the local people of Northern Uganda thanks to the commitment from people here in Northern Ireland.”

Local business representatives are invited to attend the business breakfast on Friday 4 October, 8.00am – 9.30am, The Linen Room, SERC Lisburn Campus, Castle Street, Lisburn to hear more about the project from Richard and special guest Trinity, a Fields of Life Alumni and an international social entrepreneur, who will share his educational journey thanks to the support provided by the charity.