• Rebuilding Humanity Through Education Since 1988

    Companionship of Works Association

    For over 35 years, COWA has been transforming lives across Uganda by empowering disadvantaged youth with practical skills, values, and hope. We believe every person has infinite value and potential - education happens in relationships while learning by doing.

  • Two Premier Training Centers, One Mission

    Transforming Lives Through Skills Training

    COWA operates two specialized vocational training institutions in Uganda - COWA VTC in Kireka and COWA CVTS in Nsambya. Our comprehensive programs combine technical skills, life skills, and industry experience to create employable, confident graduates ready for Uganda's job market.

  • Reaching the Most Vulnerable in Society

    Beyond Training-Community Transformation

    Our impact extends far beyond our campuses. Through partnerships with three remand homes and community outreach programs, COWA provides hope and second chances to juveniles in conflict with the law, orphans, and Uganda's most vulnerable youth populations.

  • Partners in Progress Since 1988

    Join Us in Building Uganda's Future

    COWA's success comes through strong partnerships with government, private sector, religious institutions, and international organizations. Together, we're not just training individuals - we're building a skilled workforce that will drive Uganda's economic development for generations to come.

Building Skills🛠️, Restoring Hope💛, Transforming Communities🌍

Empowering Uganda's youth through practical education, supporting vulnerable communities through skills training, advocating for human dignity, and creating pathways to economic independence - Join us in the transformative journey to develop potential, champion opportunities, and build a more skilled, self-reliant society for all. Together, let's rise above disadvantage and create sustainable livelihoods.

Train

Transform

Thrive

Skills Training
Breaking the cycle of unemployment through practical education
Youth Empowerment
Supporting vulnerable youth with comprehensive development programs
Community Rehabilitation
Providing second chances through our remand home initiatives
Economic Empowerment
Creating pathways to financial independence and entrepreneurship

Our Foundation

Built on Dignity, Empowered by Education, Sustained by Community

Since 1988, COWA has empowered Uganda’s disadvantaged youth through practical, market-driven training and life skills development. With two training centers and partnerships across three remand homes, we transform potential into purpose preparing graduates for employment, leadership, and lasting community impact.

Discover Our Story

Where Transformation Happens

Empowering Youth Through Practical Learning

Our two training centers provide youth with hands-on skills, strong values, and the confidence to shape their own futures.

COWA VTC – Kireka Campus

Dual Training System combining classroom theory with industry practice
Programs: 9 technical and vocational courses
Focus: Urban youth employment readiness

Explore Kireka Campus

COWA CVTS – Nsambya Campus

Residential program empowering young women since 1992
Programs: Catering, Tailoring, ICT with life skills integration
Focus: Vulnerable young women's empowerment

Explore Nsambya Campus

Our Reach Across Uganda

Over three decades of service, COWA has impacted thousands of youth through training, rehabilitation, and empowerment programs across Uganda.

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Our Pillars of Transformation

Our mission goes beyond classrooms, we transform lives by combining technical training, personal development, and community empowerment. These four focus areas capture the heart of COWA's work across Uganda.

Vocational Skills Training

We provide comprehensive technical and practical education through our two specialized training centers – COWA VTC and COWA CVTS.
Our programs span agriculture, hospitality, technical trades, creative arts, and technology, preparing youth for Uganda's job market through industry-relevant skills development.

Explore Vocational Skills Training

Youth Rehabilitation & Reintegration

Supporting the Government of Uganda through partnerships with three juvenile remand homes (Naguru, Kabale, and Gulu), we deliver skills training, psychosocial support, and rehabilitation services to young people in conflict with the law helping them reintegrate into society as productive citizens.

Learn About Rehabilitation

Holistic Human Development

Beyond technical skills, we focus on whole-person development by including life skills training, entrepreneurship education, financial literacy, legal rights awareness, and character formation.
We believe education must develop the heart, mind, and body.

Discover Holistic Programs

Community Empowerment & Economic Inclusion

We target disadvantaged communities, orphans, and vulnerable youth, especially young women.
Our programs create pathways to economic independence through employment preparation, enterprise development, and sustainable livelihood creation.

Explore Community Programs

Voices of Transformation

Real stories from our graduates, proving that skills training and empowerment change lives forever

COWA gave me the skills and confidence to start my own tailoring business. Today, I employ three other young women from my community.
SarahCVTS Graduate (Tailoring)
Sarah
From remand home to a certified welder, my journey was made possible by COWA’s training and mentorship. I now support my siblings’ education.
JamesVTC Graduate (Welding)
James
Learning entrepreneurship at COWA turned my passion for cooking into a thriving catering business.
AminaCVTS Graduate (Catering)
Amina

Working Together for Uganda’s Youth

Transforming lives is a shared responsibility together with government, industry, and international partners, we’re shaping Uganda’s future workforce.

Be Part of the Solution

Join us in shaping Uganda’s future — whether you’re a young person seeking skills, a partner looking to collaborate, or a supporter ready to give back, there’s a place for you at COWA.

Apply for Training

Take the first step toward a brighter future. Apply to join one of our training centers and gain industry-relevant skills to transform your life.

Apply Now

Partner with COWA

Collaborate with us to create lasting impact. We work with government, NGOs, and private sector organizations to expand opportunities for youth.

Become a Partner

Support Our Work

Your financial gift helps us reach more vulnerable youth, expand our programs, and provide scholarships for those who need them most.

Donate Today

Volunteer Opportunities

Share your time, skills, or mentorship with our students and programs. Together, we can inspire and guide the next generation.

Join as Volunteer