Nyero Alternative Technology Training Centre

NATTC's story and purpose

NATTC was set up in Kumi (between Mbale and Soroti) by James Ikara (pictured right), a highly skilled mason from Nyero with 30 years of building experience. He knows what it is like to struggle as a young orphan. After his father was killed in the insurgency many years ago, he was left with the responsibility, as the eldest son of a large family, of caring for his mother and younger siblings as well as his own wife and children.  

He is passionate about helping young people who have lost all hope to build a future where they can be self-sufficient and independent. He has never held on to what he has gained for himself, but has sacrificed his time and prospects, skills and resources to fulfil his vision of helping others in need.

There are many youth in Kumi and elsewhere in Teso, who are drifting through life, helpless and hopeless, with no sense of worth or general life skills. This is usually because of extreme poverty and circumstances outside their control, such as being orphaned, being born HIV positive, dropping out of school because of no money for fees, having no role models, or being forced into early marriages.

The compound is made up of 10 buildings. Currently there are 78 students, male and female, many staying in segregated hostels.  Courses offered are agriculture, sewing, mechanics, construction and carpentry. They have recently received a consignment from Tools With A Mission. 

There is more information on the NATTC website here.

NATTC and TEN

TEN members visited have visited James and TEN has been able to help in several ways.

• Mentoring both James and his son Paul
• Attendance for staff at a business start up course
• Business start up funding
• Funding for a fence to prevent potential incursion or loss of site.

The future

NATTC is next to ancient cave paintings that are a magnet for tourists. The Uganda Tourism Authority is keen to develop tourism in the Easter part of Uganda but does not want itself to build guest houses.

TEN is therefore providing funding to develop three guest rooms to provide an African glamping style experience for Western visitors. 

There may also be scope to develop a craft centre and shop. 

See the news section for further information including Jerry Marshall's visit here.