Educate and Empower in Uganda with Nurture Africa

The educational year has just commenced in Uganda and Nurture Africa has enrolled 212 first year students for its hairdressing, tailoring, catering, carpentry and new biowaste recycling vocational courses. In this report, I would like to share a story from Mary (not her real name).

Mary graduated from the tailoring course at the vocational centre last September and passed her state exams. Her journey over the past two years, is just one example of the impact of your generous support...

"I completed studies at Nurture Africa Vocational School last year. During our final year, three of us catering students had a plan of starting a businss together. We decided to each save 3,000 shillings (0.75c) each and every week during our second year of studies. We saved for a number of months but realised that our savings was not enough to start a business. We offered some fellow students the opportunity to join and two other decided that they would do so. We saved until we had reached a total of 700,000 shillings (€175). We felt that we were ready to start our business as our studies had included training in business planning and financial management. 

We found a place to rent for 250,000 (€80) per month but the landlord wanted payment for three months. We negotiated the price down to 700,000 as were were fortunate enough to be able to borrow a sowing machine for a few months. This enabled us to start work immediately whilst we advertised our business locally and visited some local schools; offering competitive rates to make uniforms for the students. We were told during our studies that starting a business can be tough and we felt it, but we knew we must persevere.

Our business received the big boost it needed when we received further start up capital from Nurture Africa. It is an opportunity that is made available to all vocational students once we can present a realistic and sustainable business plan. It was the boost we needed! With the capital, we bought new machines which has allowed us to take on more work. Up to now, we have agreed contracts with three local schools to provide uniforms for the children. We are working on a large scale! We also make garments and do repairs for the wider community.

We are now comfortably paying rent, sustaining our business, earning and income and are adding to our savings on a weekly basis. Life has changed a lot for us in the past two years. 

I wish to humbly thank Nurture Africa and all who have had a hand in taking us, as vulnerable youth, who now see a brighter future ahead."

From all our team in Uganda and Irealnd but most importantly, the students that you are supporting, I sincerely thank you.

Links:

• website
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I would like to wholeheartedly thank you for supporting this project either through a single or recurring monthly donation. Nurture Africa's Vocational Training Programme continues to enrol one hundred "at risk" youth each year. These students did not receive the privilage of completing formal education for reasons such as being HIV infected or having the responsibility of caring for younger siblings as a result of one or both parents passing away.

On Tuesday 15th November, the students who you have supported to enrol, provide scholastic materials, tutoring and food at lunch, will commence their end of year exams. Theses state exams will determine if first year students can progress to year two and if year two students can graduate with the Vocational Training Certificate from the Ministry of Education in Uganda and take the next step towards seeking employment or establishing their own business. It is a stressful time as it is the first time that these students have sat exams of such importance and our team of counsellors in Uganda are working together with the students to approach the task in a positive mindframe.

Without your support, many of these students would not have been able to enrol in this course or get this far in their studies. We are now preparing them to the best of our ability and hope that they all perform to their very best of their abilities throughout exam time. 

Links:

• website