In early October, a group of young trainees from the Academy for G.O.D. in Uganda, alongside Kenyan and Ugandan students from the Institute for G.O.D., embarked on a one-week intensive training program at Green Valley Resort in Uganda. This opportunity, made possible through G.O.D. International’s partnership with resort owners Frank and Molly, offered valuable hands-on experience in various hospitality roles, including hotel management, kitchen operations, housekeeping, and customer service.
For most young people in Uganda, especially those from rural areas, skills training like this is rare. Many lack access to professional environments that can nurture both hard and soft skills needed for their future careers. This program provided these youth with much more than technical knowledge; it was an opportunity for them to develop soft skills—such as communication, teamwork, time management, and professional etiquette—that will serve them in both occupational and ministerial contexts.
The trainees were introduced to the inner workings of a high-functioning resort, learning about the interconnectedness of different departments, from reception to kitchen, and housekeeping to customer service. This holistic approach to training helped them understand that professionalism and excellence are required across all aspects of hospitality. Over the course of the week, they received practical training in meal preparation, service etiquette, housekeeping techniques, and client interaction. These experiences were not just about mastering tasks; they were about learning how to engage with the world around them with professionalism, patience, respect, and kindness.
As a development organization, we are committed to addressing the occupational needs of those who desire to follow Jesus by connecting them with fair employment opportunities. Our partnerships with businesses like Green Valley Resort ensure that workers receive a fair wage and have the flexibility to pursue both employment and ministry. This training was not just about job preparation but about equipping young people with the tools they need to serve with excellence, in both professional and ministerial contexts.
Through this unique experience, these young men and women were able to gain essential skills that will help them in their careers, contribute to their communities, and strengthen their ability to operate skillfully in society. The opportunity to learn in a professional environment, surrounded by experts in the field, was a rare and precious one—one that we hope will continue to empower more youth across Uganda in the future.
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