After providing significant educational opportunities since 2015, we began to observe that even with higher education, many of our students were unable to sustain themselves. Even our university graduates were unable to find work in their field of study. Sustainability now seemed to focus on how they could provide for their needs from day to day. We began to shift our focus from higher education to skills training.
There were two other challenges we were facing at the time. Our students attended a variety of trade schools and universities. The costs for transportation, room and board and tuition were increasing. With higher costs we could help fewer students. The second challenge was communication. It became increasingly difficult to disciple, mentor and encourage our students long distance.
In October of 2023, the Hoffmans, along with our Ugandan director, Vincent Kayongo, met to discuss a way forward. Interestingly, since he was a child, Vincent always dreamt of opening a trade school in his local village. Somewhere affordable where students could learn a trade to sustain themselves. At first we looked at renting a space, but the costs were prohibitive. When we looked at buying land we realized that we could build our own school and have very little overhead going forward.
It was a huge leap of faith for On Belay ministries. Miraculously, in just 3 short months, with God’s help and with the support of the faithful donors of On Belay Ministries, we were able to purchase the land, build the school, open the doors and fill the classes of our very own skills training centre!
Even more exciting is that we did all of this in partnership with a local church who purchased half of our land plot to build their church on. This church, God’s Church of All Nations, has a real heart for ministry to the vulnerable people in their village, and would love to eventually take over the ministry of running the school, a fulfillment of a prayer of the On Belay board.
The Ugandans chose the name, Open Door Bible and Skills Training Centre. Our commitment was to make the school affordable to everyone and by providing mandatory Bible classes, provide them a firm foundation for their studies.
Psalm 127:1 says Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
In November of 2023, Open Door Bible And Skills Training Centre had it’s first graduating class of 12 students. Many of those students have already started working. Currently we are working on adding additional classrooms. Classes currently are available in fashion design, English, hair dressing, motorcycle mechanics, photography, and baking.
Partner with us as God builds on a miracle!