Building Skills in a Practical Learning Environment
At St. Pierre and Alix Life Skills Training College – Naddangira, we believe that hands-on, skill-based training can only be effective when learners have access to safe, functional, and well-equipped learning spaces. Since our founding, the institute has continuously grown to offer an expanding range of purpose-built facilities that support both academic training and life skills development.
From modern classrooms to agricultural demonstration sites, every facility on campus is designed to reflect our mission: to produce job creators, not job seekers. Here’s an inside look at the key infrastructure that makes our institute a place of transformation.
1. Classroom Blocks: Theory Meets Practice
Our classrooms are not just lecture halls—they are interactive training spaces designed to combine theory with demonstration. The main classroom block houses our Tailoring and Fashion Design lab, complete with desks, mannequins, sewing machines, and storage for materials. This block also serves as a boys’ dormitory, making it multifunctional and maximizing space for both learning and living.
Each classroom is equipped with chalkboards, instructional charts, tool storage cabinets, and adequate lighting to ensure learners can follow both written instructions and practical exercises with ease.
2. Modern Catering Kitchen
One of our standout facilities is the Catering and Hotel Management kitchen, a semi-commercial cooking space built with support from local donors and a generous grant from Stanbic Bank Uganda. This kitchen features:
- Workstations for student pairs
- Professional gas cookers
- Stainless steel sinks
- Shelves for utensils and dry goods
- A utility store for perishables and bulk ingredients
The space also includes a large instructor’s office, allowing for easy supervision and instruction during culinary lessons. It provides real-world exposure to what students will face in professional kitchen environments.
3. Dormitories and Student Housing
We offer boarding facilities for both male and female students. The boys’ dormitory is integrated within the classroom block, while girls are housed in nearby accommodations managed in partnership with the parish. Dormitories have:
- Clean sleeping areas
- Access to bathing facilities
- Storage spaces for personal items
- Access to drinking water and meals
To enhance hygiene and comfort, we have installed tiled washrooms and showers, recently upgraded through fundraising efforts.
4. Practical Training Workshops
We strongly believe in learning by doing. That’s why we’ve set up dedicated spaces for:
- Cosmetology and Hairdressing – complete with salon chairs, mirrors, and hair care tools
- Craft and Knitting – including traditional knitting machines and weaving tools
- Plumbing and Carpentry – with access to practical tools and materials
- Electrical installation practice – supported with wiring boards and safety gear
Each workshop space mirrors real work environments, helping students master tools and techniques they’ll use in the workforce.
5. IMO Piggery Project & Agricultural Demo Gardens
In partnership with Heifer International, the institute runs a model piggery unit based on the Innovative Microbial Organic (IMO) farming system. This serves as:
- A learning center for agricultural trainees
- A sustainable source of income for the institute
- A community outreach facility for local farmers
Adjacent to the piggery is our demonstration garden, where students learn modern farming methods including organic vegetable farming, composting, and crop rotation. The gardens also supplement food for the institute, reducing operational costs and promoting sustainability.
6. Multi-Purpose Hall & Event Space
Thanks to a one-time grant from the Congregation of Our Lady – Canonesses of St. Augustine, we now boast an all-purpose hall that serves several roles:
- Examination Centre for vocational assessments
- Community hall for hiring out to local groups, events, and weddings
- Assembly hall for student events, workshops, and exhibitions
This hall plays a critical role in generating income for the institute while deepening our connection with the surrounding community.
7. Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Infrastructure
We have invested heavily in clean water access and sanitation facilities, including:
- National Water connection for reliable supply
- Rainwater harvesting tanks to conserve resources
- Modern tiled latrines and bathrooms
- Handwashing stations around campus
A previously unused cement tank was also restored to support water harvesting for cleaning and agricultural use.
8. School Canteen & Staff Utility Room
A small canteen near the main gate provides basic refreshments and supplies for students and staff, including snacks, soft drinks, stationery, and hygiene items. Profits are reinvested into campus maintenance and minor repairs.
For staff and administrators, there is a dedicated utility area with space for planning lessons, storing educational materials, and hosting visitors or parents.
9. Power, Security, and Grounds
Electricity at the institute was restored and upgraded with new wiring, switches, and fixtures. While the outer fence still requires heightening, there are plans to:
- Install solar panels for backup lighting
- Improve perimeter security lighting
- Expand the school’s block fence and main gate
We also have on-site security personnel (Askari) and continue to partner with parish leaders to safeguard the property.
The facilities at St. Pierre and Alix Vocational Institute are more than just buildings—they are foundations for life-changing education. Through community support, donor partnerships, and a vision for a self-sustaining future, we continue to improve our infrastructure to serve both students and the broader Naddangira community.