Ugandan nurse Flavia Nakaayi, 21, is preparing to make her international debut at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China. The event, which takes place this week, will bring together over 1,400 young skilled competitors from more than 70 countries and regions to compete in 64 official skill events. For Nakaayi, this trip marks not only her first flight and journey abroad but also her first time stepping onto the global stage as a vocational skills trainee.
Nakaayi's journey to Shanghai began in Mpererwe, a suburb north of Kampala, where she was raised by a single mother. After completing Senior Four, she chose to pursue vocational training in nursing, driven by her passion to care for others, shaped by her own experiences with illness during childhood. She later enrolled at Kabale School of Comprehensive Nursing and Midwifery in southwestern Uganda, earning a certificate in nursing.
Nakaayi's path to the WorldSkills Competition involved competing against trainees from across Uganda, advancing through regional and national competitions to become the national champion in the Healthcare/Nursing category. She will be joined in Shanghai by Elizabeth Mutoro, the national champion in welding, and Paul Lugobe, the national champion in Cooking. To prepare for the competition, Nakaayi underwent intensive hands-on training at Kibuli Hospital in Kampala.
The Ugandan delegation, led by Team Leader Jackson Kuucha, will comprise over 30 people, including senior government officials, competitors, and heads of TVET institutions. Kuucha stated that the trip aims to showcase Uganda's skilled talent, benchmark the country's skills against global standards, and build international partnerships. The delegation hopes to bring back knowledge and experience to strengthen Uganda's technical and vocational education and training system.
According to the Ugandan government, vocational education is a key driver of industrialization and economic transformation, as well as a means of addressing youth unemployment. Nearly 1,000 TVET institutions are currently overseen by the Ministry of Education and Sports. Kuucha noted that China's experience in vocational training offers lessons for Uganda, particularly in emphasizing practical skills over theoretical knowledge.
Nakaayi expressed her excitement to learn from peers and industry experts, and to gain insights into China's application of technology in healthcare. She hopes to improve her skills in areas like communication, critical thinking, and safe patient healthcare delivery. Regardless of the outcome, Nakaayi views the experience as a valuable opportunity for growth and learning.
The WorldSkills Competition, themed "New Era, New Skills, New Dream," will provide a platform for Nakaayi and other competitors to showcase their skills and learn from one another. The event is expected to foster global collaboration and innovation in vocational education, with Uganda seeking to strengthen its TVET system and address youth unemployment.
Key points
- Flavia Nakaayi, a 21-year-old Ugandan nurse, will compete in the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, marking her international debut as a vocational skills trainee.
- The Ugandan delegation will comprise over 30 people, including competitors, senior government officials, and heads of TVET institutions, aiming to showcase Uganda's skilled talent and build international partnerships.
- The WorldSkills Competition will bring together over 1,400 young skilled competitors from more than 70 countries and regions to compete in 64 official skill events.
