Some of the Nikibasika graduates
36 of the original 52 children and youth in Nikibasika have completed the program, most with full post-secondary qualifications. They are working across a variety of sectors, from hairdressing, welding, fashion and mechanics, to social work, project management for an oil company, community development, IT, banking and management. A few are married and are parents, and most are actively involved in community development. Most live in Uganda, with a few in Rwanda, one in Dubai and one in the UK. Here are a few of their stories.
Moreen (in pink) with the group of children she supports.
Moreen.
Moreen Kyotungire works as a field project manager for an oil company in north eastern Uganda, and is deeply involved with fundraising and supporting a local orphanage.
Britah in her family community.
Britah Atusimiire graduated with a degree in social work in 2019. Since then, she has worked as a research assistant on a project related to supporting female autonomy and is volunteering for an NGO related to girls’ empowerment while applying for similar jobs. She is an active advocate for changes like removing menstrual stigma.
Dorcus in her plumbing uniform.
Karungi Dorcus has been supporting her family in a small village while finishing her training as a master plumber. She is one of the only women in her program, and is very proud of being able to do her trade “with love.”
Phionah addresses a group of youth.
Phionah.
Phionah Ingabire graduated with a degree in Public Relations in 2019, and recently began a job as a resource mobilization officer at Dwelling Places, Uganda, an NGO that supports street-connected children. Just before the pandemic lockdown, she participated in an advocacy campaign with members of parliament, state attorneys and media related to Prevention of Trafficking in Persons.
Derrick in Kampala in 2019.
Just before the pandemic lockdown, Kamukana Derrick graduated with a degree in tourism. He is working on building a tourism business with friends, while working on small enterprises like a juice business until tourism is functioning again.
Manoti Rebecca earned a diploma in social work, worked for two years for an NGO doing development work in small villages, and is now funding herself to earn a full degree. Ayesigamukama Saphra has a degree in community psychology, and has been working for various organizations including the British Council. Natukunda Elizabeth finished a diploma in tailoring and fashion, and has a small business making dresses.
Kagame and Andrew
Kagame Ivan (left) recently graduated with a higher diploma in Multimedia, and is now working as a graphic and photo editor with MultiStyle I.T and Photography. Andrew (right) completed his training as aviation cabin crew in 2019, and is working in a hotel while applying for roles with an airline. (Pictured behind are Anita and Phionah).
Manoti, Saphra and Beth.
Bahati Nicodem Dezire (“Abdu”) is Senior Officer, Diaspora Banking, with Equity Bank Rwanda. He recently had the opportunity to travel to Istanbul to meet with Rwandans living in Europe to encourage them to invest in Rwanda.
