From Dropout to Digital Entrepreneur

Amon’s story is one of resilience and transformation, made possible by the Digital Employability and Entrepreneurship Program (DEEP) an initiative under Asante Africa Foundation’s Youth Livelihood Program. This initiative equips young adults in rural areas with the tools to break the cycle of poverty by teaching skills such as software development, project management, and job readiness.

Before joining the DEEP Initiative, Amon’s future seemed uncertain. As a high school dropout, he had no chance of pursuing higher education or finding meaningful work. Living in rural Uganda, he joined one of Asante Africa’s Community Learning Group (CLG), which connected him to the Youth Livelihood Program. Through this program Amon found an interest in computers and digital careers and enrolled in DEEP in 2023, setting the stage for a remarkable transformation.

Over months of hard work and dedication, Amon mastered a wide range of skills, including digital marketing, business leadership, and entrepreneurship. As part of the program, he actively supported Asante Africa’s EdTech initiatives, traveling across Uganda, engaging with talented professionals, and broadening his network. These experiences, combined with his commitment to learning, earned him a Google IT Support Certificate, opening doors to numerous opportunities:

• • Teaching Part-Time: Amon now teaches digital literacy in several local schools.
  • Community Support: He helps maintain neighboring schools’ computer labs and teaches adult classes at a nearby institute.
  • Government Projects: Amon was contracted to conduct Uganda’s Digital Census 2024 using smart tablets.
  • Tech Advocacy: Amon educates his community on technology trends, empowering others to embrace the digital age.

With his newfound skills, Amon is not only earning an income to support himself and his family but also paving the way for a brighter future. He dreams of becoming a computer scientist and is actively enrolling in a computer science program. Additionally, he plans to establish an internet service center in his home town to provide his community with access to vital digital resources and create a sustainable business.

Amon’s journey is a testament to the power of opportunity and the transformative impact of Asante Africa’s DEEP Initiative. He eagerly awaits the organization’s continued support, including volunteer contracts that will help him save money to launch his business. 

Thanks to Asante Africa Foundation, Amon has gone from a dropout to a digital entrepreneur, using his skills to uplift his community while chasing his dreams.