Apprentice Stories
Below are just a few of the stories from apprentices whose lives have been touched by Teach Men to Fish.
Sarah Bubaale
Sarah Bubaale a member of the Namukozi youth group, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Teach Men to Fish programs. It has changed my life through acquiring hands-on skills.
There were challenges as a girl I was born in a small family of two children. My daddy passed away when was still young, and my studies could not succeed since my mum could not afford to pay my school fees thus dropped out of school, and got a job in ascertain home to work as a housemaid where I spent six years working and my small salary to be sent to mum to cater for rent and pay school fees for my young sister. My male boss started misbehaving since his wife spent most of her days at work and back home during weekend days. I decided to go back home and started moving house by house looking at homes with dirty clothes or utensils to wash so that I earn something situation which was not simple anymore.
I want to take a moment and express my sincere gratitude to Teach Men to Fish for the great work they have done throughout my life. Your thoughtfulness has truly made a difference in my life history and is deeply appreciated. Your support has not only washed my tears by providing hands-on skills but has also reminded me of the importance of help and work not to depend on hand-outs.
Dear friends, allow me to share and testify how Teach Men to Fish has touched and changed my life through their support, community, and different projects.
Eria Mundu
Eria Mundu a Namukozi integrated youth development group member and an economics graduate of the university. My dream is to have that quality serving fast food spot. I established a small but ambitious fast-food joint named "Eria's Chips and Chicken." A determined and enterprising young man fresh out of campus, I took a bold leap into entrepreneurship with my hard-earned savings of 500,000 shillings.I take this opportunity to thank you Mr. Patrick through Teach Men to Fish you continuously encouraging us to save, creditworthy. Your guidance and skills that I obtained enabled me to work hard from there and here allowing me to save and have startup capital.
With a clear goal in mind—to save 20,000 shillings every day. I track every expense and income in a simple notebook, my trusted companion managing the finances of my budding business. Despite its informal nature, the notebook serves as a reliable record of my journey from day one.
My vision extended beyond just selling chips and chicken. i dream of expanding my menu to include tea, envisioning it as a profitable addition that would attract more customers and boost my earnings.
In matters of credibility,I have earned the trust of my suppliers through my integrity and reliability. I have maintained good relationships, especially with those providing essential ingredients like Irish potatoes, cooking oil, and charcoal. My suppliers extend favorable terms, allowing him to pay after using the goods—a testament to the trust I have built in the community.
Sandra Nakaayi
Sandra Nakaayi, a 23-year-old. Born and raised in a small village in Uganda, I grew up with a passion for creativity and community service. After completing my secondary education, I pursued a Diploma in Meteorology from the Institute of Meteorology Training School, Entebbe.
Upon completion of secondary education, I joined Namukozi Integrated Youth Development Group, an organization that empowers young people with various skills. Through Namukozi Integrated Youth Development Group, I acquired hands-on skills in painting, building construction, surveying and layout skills, and leadership, which have been instrumental in shaping my life.
One of the most significant experiences I gained from Namukozi was participating in the construction of the Naama Maternity Ward and Myanzi Surgical Center. These projects not only enhanced my construction skills but also empowered me with the value of confidence even to tackle harder things in life as a woman, teamwork and community service.
In addition to my construction skills, I discovered a talent for hairdressing. Thanks to Teach Men to Fish, I received tuition sponsorship through the little savings, to pursue hairdressing skills. This opportunity has been life-changing, enabling me to open a partnership hairdressing salon in 2024 with other two group members i.e.
Nantabadde Carol and Kirabo Winnie and things are moving on well as I learn more about business since it's my first time. The salon has not only provided me with a source of income but also created employment opportunities for other young people in my community. Have been able to train and pass on hairdressing skills to other people, especially to some members of Namukozi Integrated Youth Development Group with the intent of fulfilling one of the group’s goals which is making ladies independent. I am grateful for Teach Men to Fish’s generosity, which has had a ripple effect, impacting not only my life but also the lives of those around me.
Through my journey, I have learned the importance of perseverance, hard work, and community service. I aspire to continue making a positive impact in my community and inspiring other young people to pursue their passions.
And we are still working on it in terms of machines and also other hairdressing tools needed. It has been God though things are still relatively tough with a lot of challenges from customers but for the fact that I managed construction as difficult as it is, I am standing with the situation and still pushing till the end.
Besides my salon business, currently I work as a Café Attendant in Mityana Town where I do an agent role for opening equity bank accounts for Equity Bank Clients. I also carry out ICT work consisting of printing, photocopying, typing, and making business cards among others. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Teach Men to Fish for believing in me and empowering me to achieve my dreams. Their support has been a turning point in my life, and I am forever grateful.
Shaka Brie
Shaka Brie, life story began when I was just four years of living with my grandmum. Early responsibilities came along my way since had much struggle to acquire school fees and school requirements for myself. Teach Men to Fish thoughtfulness has truly made a difference in my life story that I appreciate. Your continued support has not only provided me with construction skills but has also taught me the importance of fulfilling my commitments towards God’s people and hope one day to help as you have done to me
Thanks for all you do for the community and Namukozi Integrated Youth group so that apprentices better their lives thank you so much. On behalf of our group, I want to take a moment and express my heartfelt gratitude for your dedicated services as a member. Your commitment and enthusiasm have made a difference in our endeavors. Your selfless dedication and the time you’re investing in us have not only enhanced our group’s ability to serve but have also an indelible mark on the individuals and the communities you aim to assist. We are truly privileged to have you as our funders and technical supporters. I understand that helping requires personal sacrifice and I want you to know that your support has left most of the members with a positive impact in their life history as you will be seeing mostly sharing their stories.
