A Journey of Hope: Katono Eseza's Path to Education

Katono Eseza, a 16-year-old student in Senior 3 at Green Hill College Bulopa, faced a challenging start in life. Abandoned at her grandfather’s home after her parents divorced, Eseza struggled to meet basic school requirements and fees, often being sent back home. As a result, she frequently missed exams and even entire school terms. Despite her grandfather's desire to support her, his financial constraints made it impossible.

In 2019, Eseza’s situation changed when she was identified by the Trailblazers Mentoring Foundation. Under the "Girls in School: Towards Enhancing Retention Project," supported by the Web Manuals Foundation, Eseza received training in financial literacy and entrepreneurship. She learned how to make reusable pads and liquid soap, manage small capital, and handle menstruation effectively. She also received startup capital of 60,000 Uganda Shillings to begin her income-generating activity (IGA).

With this capital, Eseza bought four hens. These hens produced eggs which she sold to pay part of her school fees and buy scholastic materials. The hens reproduced, and she sold them to acquire a goat. Her grandfather added 50,000 Uganda Shillings to help with the purchase. The goat gave birth to three kids, which she sold for 300,000 Uganda Shillings, enabling her to purchase a calf. Her dream is to raise more cows, believing it would benefit her more in the long run since the cows will be producing milk, giving her a daily income of 1,000 Uganda Shillings per litre, which will help cover her school requirements and fees.

Currently, Eseza attends school regularly and does not miss any exams because she is able to raise school fees and buy scholastic materials. She and her grandfather are very grateful for the support from the Trailblazers Mentoring Foundation and the Web Manuals Foundation.

Despite the obstacles, Katono Eseza aspires to reach university and become a surgeon. Her journey exemplifies resilience and the transformative power of the "Girls in School: Towards Enhancing Retention Project." Thanks to the Trailblazers Mentoring Foundation and the Web Manuals Foundation, Eseza is on a promising path to a brighter future.