Ongole champions teaching careers as pathway to a secure future for school leavers..
By Emmanuel Jumaah
As thousands of students complete their secondary education and contemplate their next step in life, parents in Busia County have been challenged to take a more active role in shaping their children's future by encouraging them to pursue teaching careers, which leaders say remain among the most dependable professions in the country.
Speaking during a funeral service in Amoni Village, Teso South in Busia County, Ang'orom ward MCA James Ong'ole said many young people leave high school without a clear career path, making them vulnerable to unemployment and hopelessness. He stressed that parents and guardians have a responsibility to guide their children towards courses that offer both job opportunities and personal fulfilment.
According to Ongole, the teaching profession continues to play a vital role in society, not only by providing stable employment but also by nurturing future generations. He urged families to look beyond conventional career choices and consider teacher training colleges as a practical avenue for young people seeking a secure and meaningful future.
The MCA also turned his attention to the youth, calling on those aged between 18 and 35 years to take advantage of free training opportunities under the Wezesha programme, an initiative supported by Safaricom Foundation. The programme offers training in agriculture, livestock farming, and technology, equipping participants with hands-on skills aimed at enhancing self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
Ongole noted that empowering young people with practical knowledge is key to addressing unemployment and improving livelihoods within communities. He encouraged eligible youth across Busia County to seize the opportunity and acquire skills that could transform their lives and contribute to the county's economic development.
"Safaricom Foundation has brought a group called Wezesha, located next to Alupe University. They are training our youth in farming and livestock keeping. This training is free for young people aged 18 to 35. I urge the youth: if you are at home and you have no job, there is a group called Wezesha here in Ang’orom. The aim of this project is to help young people through these programs. Those who perform well will be given funds to start and run their own ventures." ~ James Ong'ole
At the same time, the ward representative sought to calm public fears over reports alleging that Alupe Hospital had been closed following concerns over the Ebola threat. Ongole dismissed the claims as misleading, assuring residents that the facility remains fully operational and continues to provide all essential healthcare services.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and rely on information from credible and official sources, warning against the spread of unverified reports that could cause unnecessary panic among residents.
"I want to address the rumours circulating that Alupe Hospital was shut down due to Ebola. That is not true. The Department of Health upgraded the facility by building an emergency unit specifically to handle any suspected Ebola cases from Busia or Malaba. This is a precautionary isolation facility.
Let me be clear: Alupe Hospital remains fully operational. All other medical services are running normally. If you are sick or have a patient who needs care, please go to Alupe Hospital. You will receive treatment." ~ James Ongole
His remarks come at a time when health authorities have intensified surveillance and preparedness efforts in Busia County amid heightened vigilance over the possible spread of Ebola through border entry points.
