This Thanksgiving season, stories of gratitude from across Uganda are illuminating the profound impact of Asante Africa Foundation’s work. With over 76,490 lives directly impacted in Uganda since 2018, including 4,232 youth supported across 43 communities and schools in 2024 alone, young people are stepping forward to share how access to quality education, leadership training, and economic empowerment is reshaping their futures. Their voices reflect not only personal transformation but the collective progress of a generation determined to learn, lead, and uplift their communities.

Dorcas: Discovering Confidence and Creativity Through Training of Trainers (TOTs)

Dorcas, a high school student, describes her experience in the Training of Trainers (TOTs) program as a turning point in her life. Over three days of intensive sessions, she gained knowledge in safeguarding, innovation, creativity, business pitching, and other foundational skills that expanded her vision of what is possible.

She shares that these lessons “opened her eyes” to new ways of thinking, transforming her from a passive learner into a proactive problem solver. As Uganda continues rolling out its new competency-based curriculum, Dorcas believes Asante Africa Foundation plays a vital role by providing practical, future-ready skills that complement classroom learning.

Instead of aspiring only to find a job, she now dreams of creating one. She extends heartfelt appreciation to the Country Manager and entire team for their “commitment, generosity, and patriotism,” encouraging fellow youth to embrace programs that are “free, impactful, and open doors to the digital and business world.”

Her story reflects exactly what Asante Africa’s programs aim to foster: innovative, confident, and socially responsible young leaders ready to shape Uganda’s future.

Racheal: A Scholarship That Sparked Academic Transformation

Rachel pictured in the red shirt

For high school student Racheal, academic success once felt just out of reach. Walking four miles to school each day left her exhausted, limiting her focus and performance. Everything changed when she received a one-time scholarship from Asante Africa Foundation.

Not only did the scholarship cover two terms of school fees, it allowed her mother to purchase scholastic materials and enroll her in the school’s boarding section. With consistent access to morning, evening, and night study sessions, Racheal’s academic performance soared particularly evident in her mock exam results.

With renewed stability and confidence, she is now preparing for her final examinations with determination. Her journey demonstrates how targeted support can unlock a student’s full potential, allowing them to thrive when given the resources so many take for granted. Her mother’s emotional message of gratitude underscores how this support uplifted the whole family, not just one student.

Annet: A Full Scholarship and a Renewed Sense of Hope

For Annet, a Senior Two student, receiving a full scholarship for 2025 has brought immense relief and possibility. Before joining Asante Africa’s scholarship program, unpaid school fees caused her to be routinely sent home, interrupting her learning and fueling stress.

Now, with all scholastic materials provided and school fees paid on time, Annet attends school consistently and can fully engage in her studies. She expresses deep gratitude, sharing that this opportunity has strengthened her confidence and motivation to excel academically.

Her message is simple but powerful: “Thank you, Asante Africa Foundation for believing in me.”

A Broader Promise to Uganda’s Youth

These individual stories reflect the larger mission behind Asante Africa Foundation’s work. Through integrated programs including the Wezesha Vijana Program, Accelerated Learning Program, and Youth Livelihood Program, students across Uganda are gaining the tools needed to bridge the gap between learning and earning.

With a Learn-Do-Teach approach and over 27,480 lives reached through Pay-it-Forward projects, youth are not only benefiting individually—they are uplifting their peers, families, and entire communities. This Thanksgiving, as these messages of gratitude reach us from classrooms and communities across Uganda, they remind us why this work matters.  Together, they embody our shared promise: to empower East Africa’s most vulnerable youth to confidently address life’s challenges, thrive economically, and catalyze positive change.