Unemployment is a global challenge, Unemployment in a developing country with a high cost of living? That is cruel. This menace is Bernard Keikara’s thorn in the flesh, the bane of his life.
Armed with desire and faith to do something about it, he approached top general freedom fighters and politicians in Uganda to see how the youth can be empowered to embrace innovation.
He founded Focus Youth Forum Association whose main objective is to offer a mentorship program connecting successful people with the youth. The program takes place every Saturday in Uganda and has directly enrolled 1,000 youth and reached over 5,000 youth through various forms of media.
With an objective of achieving sustainable development goals, 1- No poverty, 5- Gender equality, 8- decent work & economic growth and 9- Industry, Innovation & infrastructure, the members are also encouraged to save and invest.
One of their key milestone this year was acquiring 10 acres of land. Part of it will be demarcated for modern farming and a large part for other investments that will create employment.
I was born in a polygamous family that led to inaccessibility to basic needs. My solace was the livestock and my dreams which kept me going. I had the desire to grow and become successful. Desire, willingness, gratitude and manifesting through simple actions is a huge part of success. I worked in a bank for five years after pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Quantitative Economics at Makerere University. I had an option of continuing to work in the corporate world but I knew my calling was in helping others better themselves.
Bernard’s vision is to reach over 15 Million youth in the next 10 years. To set up a center for innovation through his organization.
I was extremely excited to be selected as a YALI RLC participant from which I made useful connections. We are working with some of my fellow cohort mates on expanding my project.
Keep it up Bernard! Keep impacting those lives.
