EDUCATION

// SANDRA’ STORY

Sandra is 18 years old and had dropped out of school because her mother could not afford to pay her school fees. In 2014, she joined a Creative Learning Centre and learnt how to read and write. Sandra is not from Kampala, so she knew neither English nor Luganda when she joined. Knowing that Sandra could not understand much of what was going on, the teachers linked her to a Congolese classmate who could speak with her and help her with the basics of reading. From there, Sandra never looked back. She is now back into formal schooling after joining a CLC and having a chance to learn in a safe and suitable environment.

Aside from the literacy and numeracy lessons, one of the highlights for Sandra was developing practical skills, like soap-making. She noted, “During the school holidays, we were taught how to sew clothes, make books, soap, and skin creams. Making liquid soap was the most exciting activity because we could make liquid soap in the groups, and each member would share her idea. The following day, the teacher would give us a bottle to sell in the neighbourhood in our community, and I sold each bottle at 1,000 UGX (24p). This helped me save some money.

Sometimes, I used the money for buying sanitary pads, clothes and food”. She even taught her mother how to make soap. Sandra said her plan is to set up her own business and sell soaps and skin creams. After the training and the initial business experience, she felt more confident about her capacities and she had high hopes for herself and her family.