Empowering Futures: Art and Livelihoods for Youth

When Morian and Janet joined the Empowering Futures Project in Kasese District, both carried different stories but shared one thing in common — the desire for a second chance.

Marion had dropped out of school due to financial hardship and uncertainty about her future. Over time, she became disconnected from opportunities and slowly lost confidence in herself and her dreams. Janet, a teenage mother, faced the emotional and social challenges that came with early pregnancy, often feeling isolated and unsure about how to rebuild her life while caring for her child.

In May 2026, the two young women became part of the second cohort of 20 youth beginning a six-month apprenticeship journey at Usanii Village Africa. As lessons officially started, there was visible excitement among the participants. For Marion and Janet, this was more than vocational training — it was the beginning of hope and restoration.

With the newly received vocational tools from MTN Uganda Foundation, the apprentices are now actively learning practical skills in tailoring, eco-artistry, entrepreneurship, and teamwork within a safer and more equipped learning environment. Marion has shown great interest in creative design and hopes to one day restart her education while generating income through her skills. Janet has embraced tailoring with enthusiasm and dreams of building a stable future for herself and her child.

Beyond the technical lessons, the programme continues to provide mentorship, encouragement, and a safe space where young people can heal, express themselves, and regain confidence. Slowly, both Marion and Janet are beginning to smile more, participate actively, and believe in their potential again.

For us, their stories remind us that transformation is not only about learning a skill — it is about restoring dignity, rebuilding confidence, and helping young people see possibilities beyond their current circumstances.

We remain deeply grateful to the GlobalGiving community and all our partners for making journeys like these possible.

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Partners,

We are delighted to share the final report for the Empowering Futures Youth Skills Centre project — a transformative initiative aimed at equipping out-of-school young people with market-driven skills, entrepreneurship support, and the confidence to earn and sustain dignified livelihoods.

What We Set Out to Achieve

The project was designed to address high youth unemployment and underemployment among out-of-school youth by providing access to tools, training, and practical skills in areas such as carpentry, tailoring, ICT, and other income-earning trades. Over the life of the project, we focused on:

• Ensuring youths complete skill training with hands-on support;
• Facilitating access to equipment and tools at the centre;
• Linking young people to markets so they can generate income;
• Promoting entrepreneurship, savings, and asset building.

Key Achievements & Impact

Since the establishment of the Youth Skills Centre:
Young people are actively earning a living. After graduating from training and accessing centre tools and equipment, youth have started income-generating activities. In the most recent survey:
60% of participants reported earning between $50 and $100 per reporting period, representing a dignified income for out-of-school youth who previously had limited opportunities.

Many are now saving intentionally with plans to purchase their own machines and tools within the year — a major step toward economic independence.
These accomplishments demonstrate how practical skills and access to equipment can quickly translate into real economic power for marginalized youth.

Success Stories
Although the figures above reflect quantifiable outcomes, the true impact lies in the change we have witnessed in individual lives:

• A young tailor who once struggled to find work is now receiving orders from local clients and using savings to invest in her own sewing machine.
• A budding carpenter has begun building furniture for local homes, earning a steady income and reinvesting profits into materials and tools.

These stories echo a broader narrative of hope restored, independence gained, and communities uplifted.

Sustainability and Next Steps

The youth are not just earning temporarily — they are building sustainable futures:
Many trainees have joined savings groups to pool resources for larger investments.
The centre has begun linking graduates to local markets and micro-savings opportunities.
Youth ownership of equipment will boost self-employment and expand the reach of services in our community.
This pathway from training to savings and asset acquisition is a strong foundation for long-term economic resilience.

Gratitude to Our Supporters

To every donor, partner, volunteer, and community member who stood with us, thank you. Your support has directly contributed to empowering young people with skills, opportunities, and hope. Your investment has transformed lives — and as these young people continue to grow their incomes and businesses, the ripples of your impact will be felt for years to come.

The Empowering Futures Youth Skills Centre has achieved significant milestones in building economic pathways for out-of-school youth. With 60% of participants earning meaningful incomes and saving toward their own equipment, the project’s legacy is one of dignity, sustainability, and transformation.
We look forward to continuing this journey of empowerment with you — together, we are building brighter, more prosperous futures.