Forging Hope: Muzaifa's Journey from Sugarcane Fields to Apprenticeship

In the heart of Iganga District, where sugarcane fields stretch endlessly under the scorching sun, a story of resilience and transformation unfolds.

It began with a call received by Stevene Mulyowa, a representative of ANPPCAN, concerning a young boy named Muzaifa. Steven acted swiftly and intervened only to discover a life marred by tragedy and hardship. Muzaifa who was orphaned and abandoned by his father' through neglect that forced him out of school, had toiled in the unforgiving fields, a child labourer trapped in the cycle of poverty.

ANPPCAN Uganda, who are one of CAPSA’s implementing partners in Uganda, have mapped out the Technical Vocational Education and Training institutions in Iganga. The Tusubita Fox Metal Works is one such institution that was mapped by ANPPCAN. When Steven heard Muzaifa’s story, he was quick to identify the referral pathways that he could use to rescue Muzaifa from the sugarcane fields. Under the compassionate guidance of Moses, Muzaifa’s trainer at Tusubita Fox Metal Works, he found refuge and an opportunity to learn. "We don't want thieves," Moses initially cautioned, but Muzaifa's earnest desire to learn, coupled with the endorsement from the local chief, opened the doors of the metal works company to him.

As Muzaifa embarked on his apprenticeship journey, he not only gained technical skills but also found a sense of purpose and belonging. The metal works company, once a humble youth group, has over the years blossomed into a thriving enterprise, thanks to the Uganda government youth empowerment program that was aimed at economically empowering the youth. support and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of artisans.

With each passing day, Muzaifa's confidence grew. "I am happy to work under supervision and to be learning through my trainer Musa," he remarked, grateful for the guidance and support he received.

© ILO

Through the rigorous apprenticeship program overseen by Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Muzaifa honed his expertise in weighing scale standards. His dedication did not go unnoticed, as he earned the trust of his clients in the community who are mostly older than him, validating his newfound sense of worth.

Despite the challenges he faced, Muzaifa remained resolute, fuelled by a desire to uplift not only himself but also those he left behind in the village. "I cannot forget about my peers," he asserted, determined to be a beacon of hope for others trapped in the cycle of child labour.

ANPPCAN recognized Muzaifa's potential as a change agent and pledged to empower him further. As Grace Banya, the project manager, affirmed, Muzaifa's journey serves as inspiration for other children to embrace the transformative power of learning a new skill through apprenticeship.

Yet, challenges persist. Moses lamented the lack of resources needed to expand the apprenticeship program, highlighting the urgent need for support from local authorities.

However, amidst the hurdles, there is hope. ANPPCAN's vision to map apprenticeship centres and ensuring the rescued children are linked up to the existing services, offers a glimmer of possibility, providing a sustainable solution to eradicate child labour in sectors like sugarcane farming, which is one of the worst forms of child labour because of the dangers that the children must face in the sugarcane fields. Muzaifa's story illustrates that apprenticeship is not merely a training program; it's a lifeline for those seeking to break free from the shackles of child labour exploitation. With determination and collective effort, Muzaifa's journey heralds a new dawn for child labour survivors in Iganga District—a testament to the transformative power of opportunity and compassion.