Putting Leadership Skills into Action in East Africa

Aug 6, 2024

Youth in East Africa work their way through numerous challenges in getting to and staying in school. Once they have secured tuition, covered costs for uniforms and other supplies, set aside time to help their families during non-school hours, and made arrangements to get to school, their journey is just barely beginning. These students now have to find where they fit in with their peers and how they can make the most of the opportunity that they have been hoping for their entire lives. For some students, this is where their dreams become reality.

In Kenya, a 14-year old student, Jeniffer, describes herself as “a very shy girl” during her early school years. In 2022, she got up the courage to join Asante Africa’s Wezesha Vijana program at her school. Through the Wezesha Vijana program, Jeniffer learned about confidence building, conflict resolution, puberty, hygiene, nutrition, and drug awareness. She was liked by her peers and felt encouraged to become more involved in the program by seeking election for club secretary, and then club chairperson in 2023.

Jeniffer says that the Wezesha Vijana program inspired her to become a role-model for her peers by perfecting her school attendance and improving her academics. She was honored when she was selected to represent the school during an education day attended by parents and donors. Jeniffer takes pride in her newfound confidence, “I recited a poem during the presentation,” an achievement that she reflects upon happily.

Wezesha Vijana’s lessons about financial literacy and generating income through small businesses have made a positive impact in Jeniffer’s life. She makes and sells beads on weekends to support her basic needs such as hygiene supplies, pens, and books. Inspired to share what she has learned with her peers, Jeniffer pays-it-forward by delivering some of the program’s lessons during the 2024 session. In just a few short years, Jeniffer has transformed herself from a shy girl to an enthusiastic leader.

In Uganda, 17-year old student Tumukunde is one of the boys who is making a difference through Wezesha Vijana. About one-third of participants in the program are boys who are learning to support and stand up for their female peers. Tumukunde joined the Wezesha Vijana program in 2022, and through the program’s unique lessons, he has improved his social skills and confidence.

Tumukunde is proud to have been elected club vice president and to have represented his peers at the 2024 Training of Trainers event. Encouraged to set goals and see them through, Tumukunde says, “I am looking forward to running in elections for bigger leadership positions at my school due to the self-esteem and leadership skills gained from participating in Asante Africa Foundation programs.”

Thanks to the opportunities provided by the Wezesha Vijana program’s local clubs, students are growing and finding their paths towards success. Students are dreaming bigger, setting goals, and moving towards promising futures.