When I met Noeline Kirabo, I could not help but notice her self awareness, confident humility and that contagious bigger than life smile. A few minutes in to our conversation, she revealed that life had not been very easy for her.

I am the founder of KYUSA which means change in Luganda. Our main objective is to empower youth who are ready to join college and train them on how to become employable. By the end of 2016, we had directly reached 250 young adults.

My mother battled with cervical cancer which I found out after clearing high school. I could not join college because we had to pay for her expensive treatment.

It was a huge blow for young Noeline who encouraged her mother and opted to enrol in free libraries and read everything she could lay her hands on which changed her life.

My mum recovered fully. It was a hard time considering the fact that she raised us as a single parent and I had battled with identity crisis through teenage hood that had led to depression. When I finally met my dad, he died before I could get all my answers.

This confident leader taught herself computer packages. Her tenacity and natural people skills got her a job with the Youth ministry in Uganda. Her fearlessness got her top jobs with NGOs that needed a masters degree or PHD as qualifications (She was not qualified) but she applied anyway.

My mum told me earlier on that I can be anything I wanted to be. I could change and shape my world from a young age. This has kept me going all my life.

She has studied social entrepreneurship in India, is a YALI RLC 2017 alumna, among other accomplishments. She uses her spare time to offer motivational talks in schools.

I always tell young people to pursue what they are passionate about. To better someone else's life. Our vision at KYUSA is to eradicate youth unemployment in Uganda and expand to other countries.

Keep soaring and changing many lives Noeline, we appreciate you.

The post My Radio Frequency Is Care And Leadership. Noeline Kirabo appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

Keziah is the founder of House of Kea, a fashion brand that is taking Uganda by storm. The apparel is tailor made to each individual and varies depending on the client. She loves using the African print in her collection because it commands attention, is vibrant, colorful and speaks about certain African cultures.

Keziah employs ladies from disadvantaged backgrounds thus transforming their livelihoods for the better.

She is an alumna of the Cultural and Development East Africa Fashion Incubation program and the YALI Regional Center program, 2017.

I have always loved the arts since childhood. I however took a detour to pursue my other love, Architecture at Ardhi University in Dar es Saalam, Tanzania where I graduated top of my class in 2013. I was later called back to work in Tanzania in the corporate world. I used to design clothes for family & friends as a side hustle.

I loved architecture and my job but I was not satisfied. Something was missing. My contract ended in early 2016. I decided to pursue fashion. My lovely employer was not having it. They offered me an extension with a better contract. Very good money by the way. (laughs). However, as much as I loved my work and employer, I had made up my mind.

My family and friends were beyond shocked. How do you leave a comfortable lifestyle to start a business in an unknown territory? Well, to me fashion had become my second name. It was calling out to me day and night. True story.

This well spoken fearless lady has a vision of building House of Kea in to a household name and to offer employment to hundreds of families. She intends to mentor children gifted in the Arts in making the right career choices in collaboration with various organizations.

Know who you are. Have a high sense of purpose. Seek God. Seize opportunities. Work hard and your dreams will come true.

If you happen to visit Uganda, connect with Keziah and enjoy some matoke and beef with G-nut sauce.

The post My Hands Were Made To Fashion- That’s What They Do. Keziah Elaine Ayikoru appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

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.

The post Innovative Minds Maintain The Best Teams. Bernard Keikara appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

He also worked with United Deaf Women Organization as a program officer where his work involved focusing on access to education, communication and linking the women to community poverty reduction programs.

Yakwaya founded Bududa Deaf Women Organization, a community based organization whose main objective is to advocate for the rights of women and girls. Tens of women who were not previously accessing information now benefit from government programs, leadership training programs, sexual reproductive health and life skills.

The organization is in six sub counties in Uganda. It is currently in partnership with various local schools set to open enrollment for deaf students and in training teachers.

I lost my hearing at age 17 as a result of a circumcision ceremony where blowing of whistles is the order of the day.

I passed my O levels well through studying as I did not know sign language. I pursued my BA in Business Studies at Kyambogo University where the journey as a deaf person was tough. I read widely and managed to complete my education as there was no sign language in campus.

Yakwaya’s vision is to represent persons with disabilities in Uganda’s parliament as a Member of Parliament which will make it easier for him to amend laws and ensure implementation from the inside. Through his organization, his vision is to empower deaf women and build a deaf school in Bududa.

I always urge young people to continually seek for knowledge, to never give up. Where challenges are, opportunities wait to be seized as well.

Apply for as many opportunities as possible. I am very glad to have made it to YALI RLC E.A where I have built networks and my leadership skills have been redefined. I am married to a beautiful wife and God has blessed us with two children.

I have learned to strike a balance between family and work which is important as it keeps me grounded and focused.

Keep soaring Yakwaya, after all, Elias Canetti said success listens only to applause. To all else it is deaf.

The post Being Deaf Did Not Cut Off Any Of My Dreams. Yakwaya Fred appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

Proscovia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication from Makerere University specializing in corporate communication and public relations. This did not surprise me going by her great communication skills.

She confesses that when growing up, her folk constantly reminded her to write down goals and pursue them both in academia and social life. This is very interesting because it’s a powerful habit that empowers and equips children from a young age.

The young African leader uses her communications skills to raise the voice of women in Uganda and Africa at large. Her vision is to see a number of women in leadership positions.

Proscovia is not comfortable with how women are confined within stereotypical female roles and safe spaces, are gender undermined, are limited by societal norms or even face misconceptions about their abilities.

Self-belief and hard work has raised my humanity higher and higher every day. I intend to equip women to strive towards their self-actualization. Nabatte.

Miss Proscovia insists that development is self-driven and that for someone to experience growth and change they must work from the inside out. With time, they will take a bite out of the fat juicy chunky meat called success.

Self-development is very important to Nabatte. She is constantly looking for opportunities to equip herself. She is extremely happy to be a current participant of President Obama’s YALI. Here, she has made great connections with people who share the same vision.

Her knowledge on sensitization of women on their rights has been built and equipped through her civil leadership track. She has also developed a strong feeling and a sense of belonging to Africa. One of her goals is to love Africa with all her heart, to be part of transforming lives within and without Uganda.

One thing that is certain and more clear for her is a debt she owes Africa, a debt to change the negative perceptions of people towards the continent. To tell the other side of the story, the positive one.

I fully agree with you sister girl. When mother Africa calls, you answer with all your might lest she haunts you forever.

In the next 10 years I want to be the best public relations and communications officer in my country. I want to have a training centre for women activism in my country. Teaching and encouraging women to fully participate in civic leadership”. Nabatte.

Her long term dream and vision is to become the first female president in Uganda. We appreciate you Proscovia Nabatte, you truly represent a Young African Leader. Keep flying.

The post My Purpose Is To Lead From The Frontline, Proscovia Nabatte appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

I cannot begin to imagine what other African youths not covered in this blog and in their millions have ventured in to. Today we engage Charles Masengere all the way from Uganda.

I would love to hear about your background

I was born in Uganda in a very liberal family. My dad as an engineer and entrepreneur, and my mum as a successful serial entrepreneur. They always encouraged us to experiment and try out different things. I was fed on personal and business books throughout my childhood, a habit that has continued all my life.

In high school, I got selected in various positions from class prefect, house captain, chairperson of the Scripture union and Bible Study Fellowship to director of the acting club. I worked officially for NCR as an in house technician throughout campus.

I joined Makerere University and pursued a Bachelors in Computer Science and IT. I was a member of the Rotaract club, a rugby player and because children make me irrationally happy, I offered motivational talks to them- I would get paid for it sometimes.

I loved helping students develop their coursework and trained people in matters technology and swimming (smiles). Hey, you don’t have to be extremely muscled up to do some of these things.

My love for writing blossomed in campus. I wrote a couple of short stories and poems. I was even selected to work on International Uganda Book Festival’s website as a writer.

What have been some of your achievements?

I started a Google business in Kampala immediately after campus as an online social media manager. Through this program, I carried out tens of motivational talks that I believe impacted and enhanced leadership skills in hundreds of young Ugandans.

I founded Paper Click, an online marketing Company while still in campus that majorly focused on hosting advertisements and domains.

Being a geek and after seeing a need of people looking for guidance in business, I am currently running two ventures, Aztech Ideas and My Town Fashions. Aztech’s mission is to offer business development for startups, small medium enterprises and students. My Town fashions offers a flaunt it fashion trend for young people. Our focus is in customizing and revamping outfits. I love seeing satisfied customers which is what keeps me going.

Our vision is to reach and influence over 200,000 people in the next five years. We are seeing this come in to fruition having set up web services for many people including the Dairy Farmers Network Uganda.

How are you enjoying the YALI so far?

I had a blast, was challenged and panel beaten in great ways as a leader. Meeting over 80 young Africans from different countries was eye opening and a huge impact in my life. I got access to funding and job opportunities. One of my biggest highlights was sharing my book with some of the YALI fellows. I have been writing it for the last five years and should be out very soon.

Charles in the next 10 years?

My vision is to reach over 500,000 people in the next 10 years through my ventures. To partner with stakeholders like Google and Start A Hub in Uganda in ventures directed at youth in matters business development.

I am part of Coders without boarders where I have made huge networks. We are currently looking in to building something and might not share right now because of a non disclosure agreement.

What do you do for fun?

My second name is dancing. I adore love art, movies and walking.

The post I Consider Myself God’s Gift To Africa. Charles Masengere appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

I was one of those kids that some students did not like very much because of my outstanding grades in math and chemistry. They had names for me, bookworm, Mr. Nerdy. Geeky boy, etc. (He laughs). Interestingly, most of them would fight to be in my study group because I offered that extra tutoring.

Denis pursued a degree in Education- Math and Chemistry. Immediately after completing his studies, he got contacted for a job in Burundi by an American organization, Gitega International Academy, Burundi.

He noticed and disliked the curriculum that was determined to develop workers and not achievers. I feel you Moi on this one, what is up with the public school curriculum everywhere aiming to bring out a worker mentality attitude.

I moved back to Uganda and founded Youth Empowerment Solutions (YES UGANDA). Our vision is to offer basic life skills to youth in and out of school.

Denis got a job at Namilyango College as a house teacher where the students would flock to him for tutoring and counseling.

In 2015, he started a gadget business, DMPHone Empire which did well and reached break even in months. This was after discovering a need for his products in rural Uganda. He targeted and reached the masses.

Denis later discovered his love for women rights and specifically FGM which he noted was being practiced openly without any intervention. His organization, YES UG  partnered with different partners and was able to save over 1,000 girls from undergoing FGM in three districts in rural Uganda.

The PS to the president called me directly to congratulate me. I was over the moon because I had done it just to save our little girls. The government offered us support for future events and a huge sum of money to run a certain project that I will not disclose now. If you want to find out the details, you can contact me directly (we both laugh).

YES UG has given me my purpose and it is very fulfilling. I have a dedicated team and we go at it with all our hearts. There's nothing like great friends who are also your colleagues. I love you guys, if you ever see this.

Getting selected for YALI RLC was a huge achievement for Moi. Here, he made huge connections with fellow African leaders, met Boniface Mwangi at PAWA who greatly inspires him. He also met the Uganda National Roads Authority’s executive director who was in Kenya- they are now working together to engage his community. He also met his mentor, Anastasia who has been key in his growth.

I always engage with the youth and most of them talk too much. Their energy sometimes comes off like that of a know it all. Every young person can relate to this. Please learn effective communication skills which will open your mind to opportunities.

Learn as much as you can. Learn from various age groups. Learn. Learn. Learn. Because knowledge is power. Be honest with your story because in this way, you get guidance much easier. Focus on passion as your driving force.

Moi’s vision is to continue building YES UGANDA and hold civic education engagements that reach over 500,000 people in the next five years.

He looked a little puzzled when I asked him if he was interested in joining politics in future. He confirmed that it was something he was seriously considering. His Kenyan Kikuyu rooted entrepreneurship spirit seems to not give him rest. It is a life venture he is also not willing to let go anytime soon..

Denis loves the all-time Kalenjin favorite food, Ugali and Mursik. Walking along the beach at twilight makes him irrationally happy. We wish you the very best Denis as you soar high like the eagle you are.

The post Africans Must Move Away From The Worker Mentality. Kiprotich Denis Moi appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

I agree with Evah that there is extreme strength that mothers possess especially in times of adversity. Evah remembers the many times they took water as their only meal. Things were got out of hand to the point of moving to the countryside. Life in the countryside was not pretty but was easier than in the rough city.

Throughout primary and secondary school, Evah exuded great leadership skills and held leadership positions. She was part of the Catholic Association and a dancing club in High school which her mother did not approve of and saw it as a waste of time. However, she held on and by the end of her studies, had gathered many awards and certificates.

With the help of a doctor friend, Evah decided to pursue a lab/nursing course at Nsambya Hospital. While at the hospital, she joined an active arts club to continue with her fun hobby and got promoted to permanent employment. She later pursued a Bachelors in Bio-Medical Lab Sciences.

While at campus, I formed a Latino dance group where students would dance the night away on Fridays. The group had great potential that I decided to register it as an organization.

That was how Public Health Ambassadors Uganda (PHAU) was formed. The organization’s aim is taking community involvement, community participation and community empowerment as the key to healthy living and improved life styles.

We got many grants in the first year including one from AWDF for World Aids day. We also staged the first ever flash mob in Uganda.

I am not sure if other people feel restless like I do when I become stagnant? It’s the worst place to be. I got to this point while in the organization amidst of all the success. (Puzzled look) I decided to apply for other different opportunities.

Early this year, I qualified for the highly competitive Aids Alliance for Southern Africa and went through the TOT (Trainers of Trainings) program under human rights for people living with HIV and Aids, Tuberculosis and mental illnesses. I also won a fun award as best cultural person representing Uganda while there.

I have to say 2016 has been a great year and I thank God for it. In March, I was selected to go to Ghana and represent Uganda under sexual and reproductive health under the TOT program.

Then came an opportunity I had been waiting for, being selected as a YALI Initiative participant under the public management track. I was screaming in the house and doing my happy dance- my mother had no option but to join me.

The program was mind blowing. I got unbelievable connections and networks with tens of people from over 15 countries. I loved one of the advice session with the chief of party at YALI, Mark Mc Cord who insisted that we needed to not think out of the box but to tear and destroy it.

In August, I got selected to go to Netherlands under the UN women and teach the 7 habits of highly effective people to older women.

When I came back, I followed my instincts and quit PHAU which was hard because this was an organization that I was key in forming and building. I moved to Kenya, where I am interning at the YALI regional center. The growth is immense.

One thing I always tell the youth is to look around for opportunities and to seize them. To walk through open doors, to think synergy and big. Please disrupt the status quo, ain’t nobody got time for mediocrity in Africa anymore.

I am still pursuing advocacy and implementation of SDG’s in the medical field. I plan to build a day care center for old people in Uganda in the next 10 years. Most of them have been abandoned.

Evah enjoys soft music, good company and a plate of matoke and biyebwa (groundnut sauce) when she is not working. Keep soaring Evah, it’s the only way eagles maintain success.

The post Young and Petite But Don’t Be Fooled, I Kick Butt For Mother Africa. Namakula Evah appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

Joram is always organizing for meet ups for people to network. Every time I see him and his big smile, I am reminded of the Swahili proverb, Mtu ni watu which loosely translates to mean no man is an island, we need others.

His friends joke that he is that chivalrous man who is constantly sending chocolate, flowers, gifts, handing over his jacket to the first lady after a date and even holding doors for you. It is actually true. I witnessed the kindness while attending classes with him. He tells us his story.

I was born and bred in Uganda. My biggest supporter was and still is my mother. When I was fourteen years, we were going through hard times and my family applied for a scholarship for my education. I must say God’s favor was on my side because a woman from Blackridge West Lothian Scotland, Betty Van Nuil heeded to the call. I consider her my other mother.

After I finished high school, I was so bored of life. You know the way you are not sure of what you want in life? Then the adventurous me set in, I packed my bags and left for upcountry without telling anyone. After a few days, I got employed to teach English and other subjects at a local high school.

My mum called me worried after some time. Please do not tell an African mother that you ran away from home- sort of, and will not be going home for the next six months! The lecture I got from her made me decide to inform her of my whereabouts and leave the escapades to Hollywood.

I got my degree in business studies from Chambogo University, Uganda. I later worked in insurance Companies as a sales agent. I am that one guy who was known by most Companies for always following up and waiting for their employees to sign up for policies at their reception.

I therefore want to take this opportunity to tell people that insurance is good for you so stop running the other direction when you smell that persistent insurance guy coming your way. I love entrepreneurship and I’m currently involved in an agriculture business with a friend.

Something weird happened to me when I was working and please let me tell you that story. I went to work, I was really bored that day, you know those Bruno Mars lazy days when you have surpassed your targets, your accounts are doing great and you feel like just taking a chill pill for a few hours? For some reason face book seemed to have been calling out my name.

I log in and out of nowhere, My scholarship mum’s name keeps popping in my head, I hit the search button and I see her, mark you I had not spoken to her in many years- the last time was through letters I used to write to her as a child. I sent her a friend request and introduced myself. It was a happy reunion.

In the UK, there is a show at ITV Waterloo called Surprise Surprise and her relatives decided to surprise her by flying me all the way there and setting up a surprise on national TV. This was a great and yet humbling experience to be able to meet a selfless person who went out of her way to help me. I will forever be grateful. I lived in Europe for sometime. Traveling and meeting different people makes you open minded and changes your way of thinking.

My project, Lunch for a Child involves development, nurturing and skills building for women in agriculture. They are able to raise money for their children’s education and basic needs.We have seen over 25 women become successful. We intend to expand the program to other areas in Uganda.

We recently partnered with the Jonathan’s Rainbow Foundation (UK) under Betty Van Nuil to connect primary schools in Scotland with the ones in Uganda. One successful example is through a local school called Bussi Primary School. We are working on building a kitchen with a biomass store to increase development for the women.

I have to mention how I constantly look for avenues to grow and currently I am being panel beaten at YALI. I believe this will contribute to the development of my projects back home and improve as many lives as possible. The program is intense, life changing and I have connected with great people who are doing great things in their communities. I urge all young Africans to apply and be transformed.

I am currently enrolled to start my Masters in Development management later this year. My dream is to go back to teaching in schools because that is where my heart is- equipping young Africans.

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