Youth-Led Food and Water Canteen is a Success
Students at Rugora Community School in Uganda did not have quick access to water and food, a necessity to life. This issue forced students to go through many lengths so they would be able to have their next drink- during break times students needed to go to the trading center, exposing these young students to various risks that can not be controlled outside of school, and the risks were particularly worse for girls. To address this obstacle, the students applied the skills they acquired through the Asante Africa Foundation Youth Livelihood Program, including planning, budgeting, saving, problem-solving, and critical thinking, to devise a solution.
As it was a collective issue, the students had turned to their community to find a solution. Pooling their resources, students decided to save money weekly by budgeting 1,000 shillings each; this effort resulted in a total of 200,000 shillings raised. Soon after, they began the process of developing their own canteen by purchasing materials and acquiring initial stock. They began selling water and a variety of food goods including mangoes, pens, books, yellow bananas, sweets, avocados, sugarcane, cakes, and baked mandazi. The canteen rapidly became a central hub in the school, providing students with easy access to water and food.
This was not just the work of the students but the school’s community. With the support of the school administration, who allocated space for the construction of the canteen, the students were able to begin their business venture. Generating an average of 50,000 UGX in profits every month, the students have not only provided a safe and convenient dining option for their peers but have also demonstrated the power of youth-led entrepreneurship that creates positive change within their community. According to the World Food Bank, food scarcity remains high in Uganda. The addition of the canteen to the community was a great solution to combat the lack of accessibility as well as providing safety for these students.
The 2024 Student President at Rugora Community School expresses their sincerest gratitude for the success of their business:
“We are so happy and grateful for the knowledge and skills from the Youth Livelihood Program. This will help us transform ourselves and our communities in the future. Thanks so much, Asante Africa Foundation.”
The success of the Rugora Community School Canteen Initiative showcases the entrepreneurial spirit, collaborative efforts, and impactful outcomes that can be achieved when young minds are empowered to create sustainable solutions for the benefit of all.