You have changed my life.

Tusiime Oliver, a 29-year-old female from Kyembogo village, Mirambi parish, Kyembogo Sub-County, Kyenjojo district, is one of our beneficiaries in the Skill Up! program.  Implemented by Joint Effort to Save the environment-JESE with funding from Welthungerhilfe WHH and BMZ, the program aims to skill the vulnerable youth aged 18 to 30 years.

 Tusiime’s dream was to become a Nurse so that she could serve her community. Life had other plans for her. Having completed senior four, her dream felt impossible to achieve because her parents could not afford to send her to Nursing school.

The situation forced Tusiime to get married. When she got pregnant and gave birth to her daughter, her boyfriend declined to provide for and care for her and her child.

“I was home, and the Secretary, Kyarusozi, called and informed me of the opportunity under the Skill Up! program. Tusiime shared. I was encouraged to apply, and I did. Having lost my dream choice in Nursing, I looked at this as an opportunity to better myself.”   She continued.

Tusiime enrolled for the tailoring course under the Skill Up! program, and she has never looked back. She has been in the program and is already realizing changes in her life.

“With the skills acquired in tailoring, I have been able to make clothes for my child, sell some and rent a house at 20000 per month, and buy more materials to produce more clothes.  She shared; I am now able to provide basic needs for my child and me.” She added.

My message to the youth out there is not to lose hope. Always look out for opportunities. To the team behind the Skill Up! program, thank you; you have changed my life. Don’t stop with me. I have been here for three months, and I am a different person. Imagine what I will do after the six months of training.