Gulu — More than 140 youth in Gulu District graduated after a one-year vocational training facilitated by Taso. The youth were trained in metal fabrication, welding, catering and hairdressing among other courses funded by Unicef.

Speaking during their pass out at the Taso office in Gulu on Friday, the officer in charge of orphans and vulnerable children, Mr Godfrey Okiria, said the number of vulnerable children was overwhelmingly big.

"We had to identify the neediest 150 youth but we were limited by funds," Mr Okiria said. He attributed the big number of vulnerable children to the Joseph Kony war that left behind many orphans as heads of families.

Mr Okiria said the whole project cost Shs421 million.

The beneficiaries had Shs300,000 bank accounts opened for each of them and received an assortment of machines that they would use to open business. "The money is a seed for you to start saving as you begin your various businesses," Mr Okiria said.