The Shoes That Changed Jalia’s Life

Jalia, a 13-year-old girl from Uganda, was determined to buy a pair of school shoes, a goal that seemed impossible due to her family’s financial constraints. For a long time, Jalia had attended school barefoot, as her mother could not afford to buy her shoes. But Jalia’s story changed when she attended a session organized by the Asante Africa Foundation on the importance of saving money.

The session taught Jalia how to save money, giving her the financial literacy to make her goal achievable. Inspired by what she had learned, Jalia began saving small amounts of her pocket money, typically between 300 and 500 Ugandan shillings. “Whenever Mum gave me 300 shillings for a snack at school, I would spend 200 and save 100,” Jalia explained with pride. By setting aside even the smallest amounts, she worked steadily toward her goal.

However, despite her heavy determination, Jalia’s efforts were still a struggle. In Uganda, many youth face financial hardships, and for children in rural or low-income families, basic school supplies like shoes can be out of reach. The burden of contributing to family income or meeting daily needs often falls on young people, making their dreams of education and personal achievements feel distant. Jalia’s commitment paid off when, during one of our field visits, she proudly shared that she had accumulated 2,000 Ugandan shillings from her savings. Recognizing her dedication and the impact of Asante Africa’s program, one of our staff members topped up her savings with an additional 8,000 shillings. With this generous support, Jalia finally had enough to buy the school shoes she had longed for. For Jalia, having school shoes has made a world of difference. “Now I feel safe from germs and diseases because I no longer have to walk barefoot through dirty places like the school latrines,” she said, smiling. Her new shoes not only represent her hard work and determination but also symbolize the transformative power of financial education and community support, which helped her overcome the challenges faced by many youth in Uganda.

Jalia’s story is a testament to the impact of Asante Africa Foundation’s programs, which provide youth with the tools and knowledge to build a better future, even in the face of adversity. Through saving, goal-setting, and the encouragement of supportive mentors, Jalia was able to achieve her dream and gain confidence in her ability to create change in her own life.