Social
Concerns
Summer Fellowship
Saint Bakhita Vocational Training Center (SBVTC)
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Location Details
Description
In partnership with the University of Notre Dame, and in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Gulu, Saint Bakhita Vocational Training Center re-launched in November 2021 with the creation of the Innovation Scholars program, to reimagine a new way to deliver vocational education. St. Bakhita provides the opportunity to learn a vocational skill (tailoring, hairdressing, catering, or ICT), while also receiving foundational training in agroforestry, computers, financial management, and entrepreneurship. Students at Saint Bakhita work closely with students at Notre Dame to collaborate on entrepreneurial innovations, and together work closely with the community to ensure innovations have a broad, positive impact on the economic prosperity of the region.
Student Role
Saint Bakhita is a boarding school for young women to learn a vocational trade. The school’s campus also includes an early childhood development center that serves both the children of SBVTC students and children of the local community, as well as a restaurant which draws both locals and visitors. In addition, SBVTC operates a farm with fruit trees and livestock, carpentry and tailoring workshops, and a couple other small businesses which support the school’s revenue. There are various opportunities for ND students to engage with the school and local community, including: *Teach at the vocational level (english, math, and computers) and/or support instruction at the early childhood development center. *Create and lead skill-building workshops for vocational students and/or employees. *Conduct ethnographic research and interviews with recent graduates to better understand student outcomes, identify potential areas for SBVTC programming, and support the transition to postgraduate life. *Collaborate with the financial management and business operations team to improve tracking and reporting processes and tools. *Support the leadership and administration team on special projects based on organizational needs and student interests.
Work Schedule
School hours are 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday, with a break for lunch and various extracurricular activities after 5pm and on the weekends, including mass on Sunday evenings. Student schedules will likely follow a similar timing as the school, although there will be flexibility depending on the final role(s) and responsibilities. Free time is flexible based on roles, responsibilities, and research, but generally weekdays before 8am and after 5pm are most available, as well as weekends.
Orientation
The primary supervisor will be Victoria Nyanjura, the Head of School at SBVTC. Upon arrival, students will receive a full tour of the school’s campus, which will also provide insight into SBVTC’s educational programs and business initiatives. Victoria and/or other staff members will walk the student through the local community, facilitating introductions to key stakeholders as appropriate. Throughout the eight weeks, students will meet very regularly with Victoria and other staff leadership in both dedicated meetings and informal meals, frequently checking in to share updates, get insights, or develop solutions.
Housing Information
Students will stay on-site at the school’s campus in individual guest houses with attached bathrooms. The guest houses are very near to the student dormitory and various supporting staff members. Students are expected to be good stewards of the space and be mindful of next-door neighbors. Laundry is done by hand; students are encouraged to learn the process and try it, but instruction and help is available as needed.
Student Preferences
Attributes: Adaptability, cultural awareness/sensitivity. Academic Interests: Business, Economics, Global Affairs, (Social) Entrepreneurship, Education, Women’s Empowerment, African Studies. Skills: nothing particular, but ideally alignment with at least one or more of the social issue categories or research themes; most ideal majors would be: business, economics, sociology, education, pre-health, global affairs, environment/sustainability.
Start And End Dates
Eight consecutive weeks between May 25 and August 16, 2026