Celebrations on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th August marked great achievements for 12 Tigers boys. Each of these boys are STARTS (Specially Targeted and Resourced Tigers) who had completed a course and have been prepared for independent living.

Five graduated in welding and metal fabrication, two in carpentry and joinery, one after finishing a catering course and another completed a diploma in Information Technology. These boys trained for two years.

A further three boys graduated in basic learned skills in sustainable agriculture. These three STARTS were the first to train at the Tigers’ Halfway Home, Tudabujja, on the farm apprenticeship scheme. This is a one year course in which they are taught skills in agriculture. They were taught how to grow and manage a variety of crops and look after pigs, cows, chickens and rabbits. They will be able to transfer what they have learned to build up their own farms in their home villages. The farm manager at Tudabujja and the social workers will continue to visit and support them.

 “I thank God for the gift of life. I also thank God for Tigers Club and all who support it to do the work they are doing for us. Today I am happy to inform you that I was without hope while on the streets but God has made it possible to stand with hope for a bright future.
Tigers Club and its sponsors, Uncle Nathan and Aunty Jen, mamas and papa, thank you for your guidance. Special thanks goes to the farm manager, for you have given us the skills in agriculture which I am going to put into practice and develop my area when I get home.”

This important mile stone was celebrated over two days. The usual Thursday feeding slot was used to show the boys at clubhouse what Tigers boys are capable of achieving. The boys, staff, local leaders and other invited guests heard speeches which both commemorated what the boys had accomplished and encouraged the other boys to make the most of such opportunities. Some of the boys made speeches themselves and received certificates and gifts. Everyone then shared a special celebratory meal.

The following day, a similar occasion took place at Tudabujja to honour the achievements of the three apprentices. Staff, local leaders and neighbours joined with all of the boys at Tudabujja for a meal which included pork from the farm! A few more speeches were given including a very encouraging speech from the farm manager, Emmanuel Kifamanja, who, after congratulating the apprentices, went on to encourage the others boys at Tudabujja to value their agricultural skills with the following words…

‘If you want to have a successful year, plant a seed.
If you want to have a successful decade, plant a tree.
But if you want generations to succeed, teach others your skills.’

The afternoon entertainment was a football match between the visiting team from Bristol, UK and the Tigers staff. The apprentices also joined in the match. The visitors won 4-2!

Both days were incredibly special for all involved, particularly the STARTS who shared how Tigers had supported them. Ultimately though, it was a great testimony to what each boy is able to achieve, however tough life has been, when he makes the most of an opportunity.

 “Thank you Jesus that I am still alive because when I look back to when I was in Tanzania to when I came to Kampala, when I was still a child, I realise that God has a purpose for me. I was brought to a good place, Tudabujja halfway home, which restored me to a family life which had already gone out of my mind.
Tudabujja farm, with the help of the farm manager, has equiped me with new agricultural skills which I hope to use when I go back home. I am happy that God exists and can save people like me who were totally useless and neglected. I can now pray, sing and even read the Bible, thank you God.”