RENU creates employment opportunities to fresh graduates

The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is poised to create more employment opportunities through graduate training and recruiting fresh graduates.

The aim is to reduce the overwhelming numbers of unemployed graduates that storm the job market immediately after graduation, yet a few jobs are available for grabs, said Diana Asiimwe, the RENU communications officer, during the just-concluded New Vision Education Expo.

The inaugural three-day expo organised by Vision Group ran from January 27 until January 29 at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology in Nakawa, Kampala.

RENU was one of the internet providers for the organisations that participated at the expo.

Also related: 115 pictures from Day 3 of education expo

"Majority of our team joined RENU through its vibrant graduate trainee programme that recruits fresh graduates from universities, and this has helped to keep a young, energetic, and innovative team over the years," she said.

At least nine of every 10 Ugandans who have completed any form of education are unemployed.

Also related: Vocational skills training at education expo

According to the National Planning Authority (NPA) statistics, 700,000 people join the job market every year regardless of qualification, but only around 90,000 get something to do. This translates to 87% of people who are ready to work but can’t find a job.

However, this will only continue to decrease if these graduates are motivated and equipped with new skills and knowledge to suit the available jobs in the market.

Asiimwe stated that RENU also provides internet services to improve research and find better solutions, particularly for young people who are eager to learn more about anything that stands in their way of success.

"We exist to enhance the quality of research and education in Uganda through providing high-speed and affordable internet and other relevant information technology services to schools, universities, tertiary institutions, and research organizations," she said.

Asiimwe said the category they serve is gradually picking up because of the new curriculum that is encouraging every school and student to use internet services from organizations like RENU.

RENU is the provider of Eduroam (education roaming),  worldwide roaming access service developed for international research and education.