Youth to Work — a Game Changer

What were you doing before applying to Youth to Work?

I was unemployed.

How did you find out about CW Youth to Work? What inspired you to apply to CW Youth to Work rather than another programme or any other opportunity (like a job)?

I found out about the programme from an advert on the internet. From the information, I gathered that it would enable me to venture into the manufacturing sector which was one of my goals.

What did/do you expect to learn from your placement? What were you worried about?

I expected to learn sales and marketing skills, enhance my management skills and understand how the manufacturing sector works. My only worry when joining the programme was whether I would fit in at the enterprise.

Enterprise name: House of Rehoboth Uganda Limited

Where is it based and what social impact do they have?

Maganjo, Wakiso District. House of Rehoboth employs the youth as part of the Youth to Work programe.

Describe your work with your enterprise — what were the main aims of the support you offered the enterprise?

As a Junior Associate, my main aim at the enterprise was to improve their management, sales, and marketing strategies.

What area did you focus on?

Sales and Marketing

What tools did you use?

I used the Youth to Work workbook, Gantt charts and work plans within the organization.

How were you supported by mentors? What did you learn from them?

I normally had weekly calls with Cecilia, Challenges Uganda. She was very supportive and through that, I learned presentation skills including using Powerpoint and presenting to an audience.

What did you learn from working with your enterprise? What was your proudest moment?

Through the Youth to Work programme and working with the enterprise, I learned management skills, sales, and marketing skills. I was further able to utilize these skills when I was appointed as manager at the enterprise.

My proudest moment was when I employed a number of strategies like opening an online shop for the business on Jumia. I also implemented online marketing and as a result, the company sales went up to a record high that it had never recorded before.

How do you think your enterprise will change after your involvement?

A lot has changed; roles and responsibilities are now clearly defined for each member, and its visibility online has gone up through Jumia and social media ads.

THE PROGRAMME

What transferable skills did you learn? Could you give examples of situations where you learned something new?

Through my fellow Junior Associates’ active citizenship sessions, I learnt how to make liquid soap; which is a skill I hadn’t thought about learning before.

What was the working environment like?

It was good; it’s a team of young people who made work fun.

How did you adapt to a new situation?

The team was supportive, and the Director gave me all the necessary support I needed which made adapting to the enterprise seamless.

Do you see the Challenges Youth to Work programme as having a positive impact on your economy/community?

Definitely, it has enabled youth get employable skills; I am where I am because of Youth To work. It opened up doors for me that have taken me from Junior Associate, to manager of House of Rehoboth, and now to working with Mastercard Foundation.

CMI

What did you learn from the CMI training?

I learned project planning and management skills that allowed me to move forward in my career.

Recommendations

Would you recommend Challenges Worldwide Youth to Work placement to other young people? Yes/No: Why?

Yes, I would like other youth to get the employable skills that I got from the programme. In fact, my former enterprise decided to take on a Junior Associate for each intake of the Youth to Work program because of their experience in my cycle.

Would you recommend CMI to other young people? Yes/No: Why?

Yes. CMI opens your eyes to career possibilities you never ever thought of, even at a senior management level.

Employment

Were you retained as an employee at your enterprise? Did you secure employment after the Youth to Work programme/ did you pursue your own entrepreneurial endeavor?

Yes, I was retained as the manager at House of Rehoboth where I worked until I gained an employment opportunity with Mastercard Foundation.

How have your skills from Youth to Work supported you in your current role?

I gained sales and marketing skills during the program which helped me grow the company’s sales and excel in my current role.

How have you seen your team members change during their placement?

I have seen my colleagues gain confidence and presentation skills from the Youth to work program, which will help them in the roles they pursue thereafter.

Thinking ahead

How has CW Youth to Work changed you?

It has changed my perspective on what I am able to achieve with the assistance of training and learning.

Where do you see yourself in one year?

I plan to enrol for a Master’s Degree in Management Sciences

What impact has it had on your career plans or your personal life?

It has been a game-changer for me, It gave me a chance to become a manager which has enhanced my management skills.