The Refactory program, which is a partnership between Clarke International University, the software development company Laboremus and the NGO Fontes Foundation, seeks to advance the skills of the entire tech industry in Uganda. Last year, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, Norad, agreed to fund the program for a 4-year period. There has been a skills gap as tech companies in Uganda find it difficult to hire developers who have the competence that meets the industry demands. However, thousands of students graduate from universities but fail to find meaningful employment because they lack the necessary skills. The Refactory program is a blueprint for what Ugandan tech companies look for when hiring developers. The program equips students with both technical and non-technical skilled required in the industry, both locally and globally.
How the Refactory program works.
Students start with a Catalyst course, a focused three-month program that includes training in leadership, critical thinking, IT project management, as well as introductions to different technologies. The most accomplished students go on to a six-month practical boot camp, where a key component is working on solving a real problem for one of our industry patterns. Finally, a select few get to participate in the last mile program, where the graduate gets an opportunity to work at an elite ICT company for 6-12 months while continuing his or her training. The salary for this period is covered by the program.
