I find fulfillment in changing a young person’s life in Uganda. The change may come from speaking and mentoring them thus inspiring them or training through my organizations WITU and Hive Colab. At WITU, we don’t just train in Technical skills( App development, animation, design and business), we are creating a community of empowerment, inspiration, motivation and a  safe space for women to dream and excel as business women, tech leaders and professional women. Its a place where young women are free to share their vulnerabilities and ideas, be themselves, create things together and grow socially into women of Integrity and purpose.  At Hive Colab, we empower young people to create social solutions using tech and start their own tech business instead of looking for jobs that don’t exist. Speaking to a young man that has just graduated and says “I want to make money from my Animation skill”and helping them focus and identify a business idea from their talent. Nurturing the start up into an income generating entity, sharing the disappointments and joys from a first contract, is truly priceless.

In the life skills program(also encompassing employability and social skills) at WITU, we have counseling time and woman to woman sessions. In these we speak to the young women about life, self awareness, respecting one self, healthy relationships, HIV and AIDS, hygiene, conduct, etiquette, Presentation, Reproductive health, having principles as a young woman and much more.  The three months these young women are with us give us a chance to make a difference, to shape future leaders,tech women, employees  and business women . Its an honor that we do not take lightly.

Self Esteem, lack of confidence, ignorance and vulnerability caused by poverty has caused the downfall of so many young women from underserved communities. Teenage pregnancies are on the rise in Uganda, and the girls are not entirely to blame. Understanding the problem from the root, before offering solutions is paramount. In my class I have young women below twenty that are pregnant and many below twenty that have not had a child before, its our duty to educate, empower and inform them to protect them and save them.

I believe that 10 years from today the story is going to be different in Uganda. Thanks to all that are working towards empowering women and youths in Uganda in whichever way you are.

Facts: 71% of Uganda’s population is below the age of 30. More than 50 Percent below the age of 15. 62% unemployment rate. Standard of Education ?