Meet Mugisa Juma

From Graduate to Business Owner in Just Two Months

Hey Fight Family,

At the recent Karambi Hub graduation, 20-year-old Mugisa Juma was recognized as the top graduate in the barbering class.
Juma learned about the skilling program at a community meeting, where organizers called on Batwa youth to sign up. He registered immediately, hoping to learn a skill that would change his life.

"I chose barbering because it was a skill a youth like me could do and easily use to start a business. Also, in Karambi there are many boys and men who need shaving, and they would be my customers."

He found the classes interesting, especially learning how to operate the shaving machine, and says, "I was motivated by wanting something to do for a living, and something to keep me busy other than loitering around the village."

Juma attributes his strong performance to paying close attention in class. He also practiced what he learned at a friend's salon in a neighboring village.
As the top student at graduation, Juma received a solar panel, battery, shaving machine, and other supplies that let him start his own salon. So far, he has served nine clients and saved half of his earnings.

In five years, he sees himself as a happily married man, taking good care of his family, with a garden and a thriving business.

Juma represents the future of the Batwa. He is one of many young people learning skills and building a life for themselves that will ultimately benefit the wider community through their trade.