Philip Yiga has been HYT’s Chief Technician and Project
Manager since 2007, working closely with the OH’s who have joined him in Uganda
over the years. Here is something of his, and HYT’s, story.
Born in Uganda, Philip moved to Kenya during the period of
political turmoil in search of safety and security. It was in Kenya that Philip
learned Swahili, to go with the Lugandan, Lusogan and English in which he was
already fluent.
After returning to Uganda for university, Philip’s work varied between teaching maths and Physics, and helping at
various construction sites. Philip was very motivated in his construction work
and as he learnt new skills he realised that it was his passion. Philip was introduced to HYT and the ISSB technology in 2007 and soon became central to the development of the fledgling charity. In the
early days of the Trust’s work in Uganda, Philip was simply a trainer and
builder. Now he oversees many of the Trust’s projects, ensuring they are
completed to the highest standards, as well as being a constant source of
experience and advice for the HYT team in Uganda.
Philip says that HYT is ‘like a family to me’. His work
requires a great degree of trust and loyalty. Philip ‘tries to extend this
feeling of family and companionship to all the trainees and workers.’ He adds:
‘the more we feel a sense of duty and loyalty to one another, the better we
work as a team.’ ‘It is important to treat each HYT trainee individually,’
Philip says, ‘polishing their skills and strengths, allowing them to achieve
their fulfil potential.’ Communication
is key to the task, a skill which comes naturally to Philip, meaning that HYT
is able to maintain its reputation as a reliable and efficient Construction Charity
Philips
favourite thing about working with HYT over the years has been watching the gradual
improvements made in the outputs and the increase in the capacity of HYT to
train Ugandans. He feels that the charity is heading in the right direction,
expanding its commercial and training arms at a rate which allows HYT to retain
its ethos and motivation.
On his own work with HYT, Philip concludes: ‘I do not work
for money; I do this for the love of HYT.’