Yonas’ journey to becoming a seasoned tailor

In 2021, Yonas went to Kyenjojo to care for his grandma, little did he know this would turn into a blessing. He engaged in odd jobs to raise money to provide food and other requirements for his grandmother.

“I would “ Kupakasa”(dig in other people’s gardens) just to earn money to care grandmother and me. He shared. This was not easy, sometimes, we would sleep hungry” He added.

 The blessing came when he joined Anna Fashion and Design in Kyenjojo under the Skill Up! project.  Yonas started Yonas Akola Ebriungi New Fashion and Design at Bunoga Trading centre where he trains others. Five youth have already been trained and moved on. 3 of the five youth already run their own tailoring business in Kampala, while 2 are working for other people and ably providing for themselves.

 Yonas saves 150,000 UGX per month with three Village Savings and Loans Associations-VSLAs Additionally, he procured 2 plots of land costing about 4MUGX. His business is self-sustaining and he ably meets and provides for his family of 2 children and a wife.

 “I started with just 10 pieces of bitenge and the products wowed everyone.  I did not have a chance to education, but Jese made me a better person. Everything I have is because of Jese