MASUNKWE, UGANDA.

In a vibrant celebration of resilience and restoration, Central Girls Vocational School (CGVS)a flagship education project of the Anthill Foundation Uganda hosted its inaugural graduation ceremony on 26th March 2026 having 162 young women flagged off into the world of work. The event hosted 352 participants, for the community of Bubuubi parish in Luwero district and the global Girls Not Brides consortium, this event was more than a certificate handover; it was a powerful testament to the success of the “re-entry education” model for adolescent girls and young women impacted by teenage pregnancy and child marriage.

As a proud member of the Girls Not Brides Uganda movement, Anthill Foundation Uganda founded the Central Girls Vocational School on a singular premise: that girl’s education should not end when she becomes a mother or a bride. The graduation ceremony showcased the journey of young women who have defied societal stigmas to master vocational trades, ranging from tailoring, cosmetology, agriculture to digital literacy. “This graduation marks a turning point,” noted Magezi Chrisostome, the School Principal. “We aren’t just awarding grades; we are celebrating the reclaiming of dreams that many thought were lost forever.”

The ceremony also served as a platform to highlight the school’s commitment to gender-responsive education addressing the unique needs of young mothers as it serves beyond the school and has so far impacted 618 girls and young women within the district paving way for education, livelihood and health care opportunities. Unlike traditional vocational centers, CGVS is evolving to meet the specific needs of its learners caring beyond the students to impact their children covering nutrition, healthcare and safety until graduation. During the event, the school leadership outlined a vision for the “Post-Graduation Season,” focusing on three transformative pillars:

1. Sustainable Infrastructure: Transitioning to solar energy to power digital learning tools and ensure a safe, well-lit campus, since the school operates in an area that’s not connected on the national electricity powerline.
2. The ECD Advantage: establish a dedicated Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre on-site, ensuring that while mothers learn, their children are receiving quality early education in a nurturing environment.
3. Inclusive Expansion: Securing more land to create “safe spaces” and lactation rooms, ensuring the campus remains a sanctuary for holistic growth and sustainability.

The Anthill Foundation Uganda, through Power Her Up project, continues to demonstrate that when vocational training is paired with childcare, health and psychosocial support, the cycle of poverty and early marriage can be broken. The graduation was attended by key stakeholders, including partners from Girls Not Brides Uganda, Rotary District 9213, Remnant Generation, Trailblazers Mentoring Foundation, High Sound for Children, Luwero District Local Government, Empower Investment Club, Religious and Cultural leadership, and the chief Guest President of the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA), Ms. Shillah Ainembabazi, who shared her story of resilience and inspiration having been a teenage mother herself at the age of 16 and risen through the highs and lows, bouncing back to school to now pursuing the degree of bachelor of Journalism and media studies from one of the Uganda’s top private Universities and leading the Uganda National Students Association as president. President Shillah emphasized the importance of scaling such inclusive models across the continent. As these newly minted graduates step into the workforce, they do so not just as skilled labourers, but as “Empowered for Generations” leaders in their communities.

Central Girls Vocational School invites all duty bearers to join the movement addressing barriers in education to ensure girls and young women complete their education and thrive. Join this effort working to leave no girl behind. Work with us in this next chapter of expansion, ensuring that every girl in Luwero district and beyond has the tools to build a better future for herself and her children.

For more information on Central Girls Vocational School or to support the Anthill Foundation’s initiatives, please contact info@cgvs.academy  info@anthillfoundation.org or call +256 200 924 122