31 Oct Introducing Environment-Friendly Furniture Production & Creating 1000 Jobs!
We’re proud to announce the latest of our transformative project with Wood Flex Uganda Ltd. (Wood Flex) in Uganda, where it will establish an environment-friendly furniture production line in its own factory. In the project, Wood Flex implemented an Environmental Management Plan covering sourcing, water, and waste management to maximize the durability of the product while ensuring sustainable eco-friendly furniture production. This transformative initiative was set over two years, backed by a 435,000€ grant arranged by suPPPort ltd., and will focus on providing vocational training and job opportunities for young workers.
In partnership with Nakawa Vocational Training College (NVTC), Wood Flex trained 1000 young workers, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, as 80% of the trainees were women, and 50% were youth. In the project, Woof Flex established a theoretical and practical training line. After completing the training all the 1000 trainees will get job opportunities through Wood Flex and other key partners like Nsubuga Timber Supplier, NVTC &Joinery Association of Uganda. Most importantly, after completing the project the training structure will continue to train more workers to supply to the industry as well as hire regularly to cope with the high employee fluctuation in Uganda.
Looking ahead, Wood Flex is committed to creating a roadmap towards achieving international standards such as FSC and BIFMA. This training structure is more than just a facility; it will serve as a role model for the entire industry. We plan to share this structure with other factories and educational institutions to maximize its impact and further the development of environment-friendly furniture production in Uganda. In addition, to promote environment-friendly furniture production, it will arrange two 1-day seminars and community sensitization meetings with the industry members.
Through these activities, it is proud to contribute to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals including No Poverty, Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Decent Work and Economic Growth. This project is a major step towards building sustainable livelihoods and shaping the future of Uganda’s furniture industry.
Stay tuned as we continue to make a difference, one skill at a time.