Youth shaping tomorrow; Empowering youth for a sustainable world

Through its initiatives in Tororo, Safal Uganda Baati Foundation shows that meaningful change happens when youth are not only included, but empowered to lead.

Earlier this year, the foundation introduced the Youth Saving Scheme with participants including individuals that had already acquired practical skills in various trades, such as Hairdressing, Roof installation, Liquid soap making, Backyard gardening, Building and construction, through the skilling initiatives, but had failed to establish their own businesses.

The program adopts the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) model to enable participants gain the necessary financial resources to establish and grow their own businesses, which was a challenge.

The Youth Saving Scheme bridges this gap by enabling these young entrepreneurs to mobilize financial resources through savings, while also accessing valuable knowledge on financial literacy, business management, and peer-to-peer support.

This holistic approach empowers them to overcome financial barriers and achieve their business aspirations.

The scheme is yielding tangible results, effectively transforming practical skills into sustainable income streams. This not only enhances their economic stability but also fosters a culture of financial discipline, entrepreneurship, and self-sufficiency.

Through their vocational modular skilling program (another initiative), whose primary objective was to enhance youth employability for all participants, they recognized that achieving this goal extends beyond mere skill acquisition.

This is due to the influence of other crucial factors, such as access to financial capital, which play a vital role, with focus on cultivating job creators rather than job seekers.

As part of the program, these young entrepreneurs now convene weekly, contributing to their collective savings and investing in micro-enterprises.

The funds are being utilized strategically, with some members purchasing essential tools, while others are promoting their services or scaling up their projects.

The program has built a vibrant community of young entrepreneurs through its emphasis on a peer-to-peer support program which empowers young people to build resilient, sustainable businesses that drive positive change in their communities.

"This interconnectedness enables participants to access new markets, share financial and business management expertise, and drive innovation across various trades. This shows that when young people are trusted with resources and responsibility, they become the architects of progress," George Mubiru, Safal Uganda Baati Foundation.

Safal Uganda Baati Foundation remains committed to positively nurture young people to become productive Ugandans that can genuinely contribute to the development of this country.