When Girls Take Action, Justice Follows
Doreen, a passionate secondary school student from Uganda, proudly shares her inspiring journey as a member of the Asante Africa Club. When she first joined, she hoped to learn new skills and make friends—but today, she reflects on achievements far beyond her expectations, made possible by access to education and opportunity.
Through the club, Doreen developed a strong sense of teamwork, cooperation, and problem-solving—skills that empower girls to claim their space and lead with confidence. Activities like the Pop-up Game, where members had to think quickly, communicate clearly, and work together to win, taught her firsthand the power of collaboration and shared leadership.
Her experience deepened when she joined the Enterprise Challenge (EC)—a hands-on entrepreneurship program delivered in partnership with King’s Trust International. The EC equips young people, especially girls, with business, leadership, and STEM skills, ensuring they have the tools to turn ideas into action. Participants are guided to identify real-life challenges and develop sustainable, community-driven solutions.
For Doreen and her team, this translated into a project with both practical and environmental impact: the creation of a charcoal briquette business. They learned how to transform agricultural waste into affordable, eco-friendly briquettes—reducing deforestation and offering a cleaner alternative to traditional charcoal. The project allowed Doreen to apply STEM knowledge in real-world ways, from measuring materials and testing fuel efficiency to calculating costs and managing production.
“Working on the briquettes taught us so much about teamwork and problem-solving,” Doreen explains. “We had to plan, experiment, and adjust our process to make the product work well. It was exciting to see our ideas turn into something people could actually use.”
Their efforts paid off. After a year of training, regional competitions, and digital simulations, their school earned national recognition at the 2025 National Enterprise Challenge Finals in Kampala. Doreen and her team were celebrated not only for their entrepreneurial skills, but for taking action on environmental justice and creating solutions that benefit their wider community.
Beyond the awards and certificates, Doreen treasures the growth, resilience, and sense of belonging the experience inspired.
“I got a T-shirt and a certificate,” she shares with a smile. “They remind me of our hard work, and the bond I’ve built with my teammates.”
Inspired by her journey, Doreen encourages other students—especially girls—to step forward boldly and claim their potential.
“Let us come together and join Asante Africa,” she urges.
Doreen’s story is a powerful reminder that when girls are supported with equal access to education and skills, they don’t just learn—they lead. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate girls like Doreen who are advancing their rights, shaping a more just world, and taking action for themselves, their communities, and the planet.