By Vision Reporter
Most young people have specific professional aspirations, to which they fix their focus during and after university. The young people also tend to stick to their preferred profession/ occupation, paying no mind to alternative employment opportunities.
The Japanese Ambassador, Fukuzawa Hidemoto, discourages this, calling for flexibility for one to flourish even amidst the contemporary socio-economic challenges.
Speaking to the students during his recent solidarity visit to the University of Kisubi (UniK) in Wakiso district, Fukuzawa advised all the young people to keep an open mind to identify employment opportunities around them. The envoy also emphasised that the youth should be flexible in Be flexible in professional aspirations, Ambassador Fukuzawa tells students their professional/business aspirations to beat the existing employment challenges.
“Flexibility is vital in contemporary trade and business investment. Keep your eyes open and respond appropriately to the current dynamics of trade and investment. Always be ready to adjust to the dynamics of local business and international trade,” he said.
In addition, the embassy of Japan is ever ready to share business/investment ideas with young people in Uganda
“Sharing information and helping people to develop is part of our culture. This is why we do vocational educational investment. We empower local communities and business companies to move from one stage to another,” Fukuzawa explained.
The envoy also advised the students to always exercise absolute honesty. Fukuzawa also asked the students (and all young people) to promote peace, saying it is a cardinal prerequisite for development.
He based his advice on the economic experience of his country, Japan.
The vice-chancellor of UniK, the Rev. Bro. Dr. Deogratias Mugema, lauded the Government and the people of Japan for their love and generosity towards Ugandans. He spoke warmly of the solidarity between the Brothers of Christian Instruction, who manage UniK and the Japanese government.
“The Brothers have a dynamic educational involvement in Japan, where they have a school, St. Mary’s International School, Tokyo. The visit of ambassador Fukuzawa to UniK is thus another visible demonstration of this solidarity,” Mugema said.
Mugema said the ingenuity, creativity, work ethic and resilience of the Japanese people should be emulated by Ugandans.
STUDENTS SPEAK OUT
Shalon Mirembe, second-year, Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration
Many of us are putting our focus on white-collar jobs, which are not easily available today. However, Fakuzawa has shown us that occupations, such as agriculture and vocational work, which many people still despise, are great sources of wealth.
Achilles Ssewankambo, second-year, BSc with Education
There will never be a time when white-collar jobs are in abundance. The socio-economic challenge of unemployment will always be with us. We just need to be creative and flexible in our response to the respective economic challenges of our time and we shall be able to prevail.
