Prior to joining U-TOUCH’s Women’s Empowerment Program, Harriet had a certificate in catering but was unemployed. When she joined U-TOUCH, she had low self-esteem because of her financial status and was unable to find employment. After completing her Women’s Empowerment training, Harriet gained the courage to become an entrepreneur and start her very own coffee shop business. She has trained a number of youths with her computer skills and access to unlimited information. Harriet has been able to improve her standard of living with her knowledge and training from U-TOUCH. Her business serves as a great example of the hidden potential women in Uganda have, and the impact of U-TOUCH propels them into a life of success!
Did you know that over 86% of Africa’s population still has no Internet access? Rachael, a former SEVO International student, became aware of this issue when she realized her institution lacked computers. As a nursing student at SEVO, Rachael’s goal was to manage rescue, health care, and training facilities to service providers, highway clinics, and youth rehabilitation homes. A key part of this process is the Internet, and without it, Rachael was unable to fulfill her job as a student. She discovered the lack of Internet access and took initiative in her university by enrolling in U-TOUCH’s ICT Program. There she learned vital ICT skills that helped her in doing research and opening up a business. She is the proud owner of a drug shop in Uganda and uses her computer to track records in her business. With the help of U-TOUCH, Rachael has access to the world of information, communication, and education. Don’t take being connected for granted!
Within the Women’s Empowerment Program (WEP) at U-TOUCH, economic freedom is achieved with the help of effective life skills, access to technology, and positive support from a team of understanding volunteers. Joanita, a senior four leaver, had hoped to join a higher institution of learning but was not able to afford the tuition. In hopes of attaining a certificate in secretarial studies, Joanita was ecstatic when she heard about the free ICT and WEP offered at U-TOUCH through the local advert. After her training with U-TOUCH, Joanita received many certificates for her hard work and devotion to learning and became employed at the Shivling Supermarket in Mbale Town. She saw an opportunity, then hope, and then the confidence to set her own goals and developed a plan to achieve them.
In contrast to the western culture, women are the backbone of Africa. They are responsible for bearing children, caring for their families, working in the garden, and walking for hours for water. Mirriam is a senior four leaver who found herself losing hope in education due to financial constraints. After hearing about U-TOUCH through a friend, Miriam was hopeful for a new beginning, and quickly became interested in the Women’s Empowerment Program (WEP). Shortly after, she joined the program, completed her training, and applied her entrepreneurial skills to her new business. She currently owns a shoe shop that provides stylish footwear for men and women. Being able to sustain your family through the income you earn is a vital goal for not only Miriam, but women alike in Africa. By financially supporting themselves and their families, women are able to empower and change their communities and economics.