Aggie’s Story on Rising Up: Part Two

Can you share a story of someone who really demonstrates the impact of SBS?

Good Question, I will share about Katayike Tina. 

At just 23 years, Katayike Tina has already shown incredible determination to build a better future for herself and her husband. Despite facing multiple challenges, she has refused to let circumstances define her, embracing every opportunity to grow and take control of her life. 

Before Tina discovered the SBS training program, she was a stay-at-home wife with no reliable source of income. A trained hairdresser, Tina, had hoped to use her skills to earn a living. However, after working for over a year in a local hair salon, she was left without payment, forcing her to search for alternative ways to make ends meet.  

She turned to working in the fields, tilling land in exchange for food and a small sum of money. Her husband, too, was struggling to find steady work, leaving them both stuck in a cycle of financial uncertainty. 

“I love my husband, but he has no money,” Tina reflects, her eyes filled with emotion. “I feel sorry for him when he takes on odd jobs just to feed us. Sometimes, even when he is sick, he still must go out and look for work.” 

Tina’s life began to change when a friend who had attended an SBS orientation shared about the entrepreneurship training. With no capital to her name, Tina was initially drawn to the idea of receiving startup funds. But as she started the training, she quickly realized that the greatest gift of all was not money—it was the knowledge and confidence to become her source of capital. 

The most important lesson Tina learned through the SBS training was that she was the greatest asset to any business. 

Fueled by this newfound belief, Tina borrowed $28 from her local savings group, “SACCOs,” and began selling second-hand children’s clothes. Once she paid back the loan, Tina reinvested her earnings into buying bales of women’s clothing. This smart strategy allowed her to rent a small space for her growing business. Today, Tina earns $42 a week, with a profit of $14 on good business days. 

But Tina’s proudest achievement is not her growing business or income. It is the fact that she is now debt-free. Tina’s business has given her the financial stability she once dreamed of, enabling her to support her family and plan for the future. 

“I don’t think my life would have been this much better if I hadn’t attended the training program,” Tina says with gratitude. “I am so thankful for the courage and skills I gained through SBS. It has truly transformed my life.” 

Tina’s dream now is to open her beauty salon, where she can finally put her hairdressing skills to full use and continue her journey of success. 

Through determination, the right training, and a belief in herself, Tina is proof that age is no barrier to transforming your life

What do you notice happens to someone, internally and externally, once they begin to believe in their potential?

When people start believing in themselves, something incredible happens. Internally and externally, a powerful force drives them to take action beyond what they thought possible. This newfound confidence pushes them out of their comfort zones, inspiring them to try new things and pursue opportunities they once thought were out of reach.

As people recognize their potential, they begin to break free from the ordinary and take control of their lives. They start growing in ways they never imagined, and this transformation often sparks a desire to make a positive impact on their communities and the people around them. With a sense of purpose, they aim to inspire others, replicating their journey and influencing those around them to become the best versions of themselves. This ripple effect can lead to meaningful change, both personally and communally.

How do the SBS small businesses ripple out to change a community as a whole?

The Street Business School's approach has a profound ripple effect on communities. By empowering people to start businesses without handouts, SBS fosters creativity and resourcefulness. Participants learn to identify opportunities in their daily lives, turning household items or skills into viable businesses. This transformation has far-reaching consequences like economic stability, Families can afford basic needs like education and food, improving their overall well-being. As women become financially empowered, they're more respected within their households, leading to more harmonious relationships.

Vision & Call to Empower

 How can people around the world support your work, even from afar?

People around the world can support Street Business School in very many various ways; liking, promoting, and sharing their content can help increase visibility and reach a wider audience. Spreading the word about Street Business School's mission and impact can inspire others to get involved. People can come to Uganda for Street Business School’s annual trip that I help plan and organize. This trip to Uganda provides a unique opportunity for people to experience the impact of Street Business School's work firsthand and support their efforts. By participating in these ways, individuals can contribute to the organization's mission and help empower more people in vulnerable communities.

 If someone’s reading this and wondering if a change like this is really possible, what would you want them to know?

Contributing to positive change is within everyone's reach, regardless of resources. Every small action count, whether it's liking Street Business School's content or using available resources to support their work. 

The key message is that change is possible with a willingness to help and empower others. By encouraging people to be change-making agents, you're inspiring them to act and be part of something meaningful. 

Every Contribution truly goes a long way in contributing to driving positive change.

The Call to Rise Up

Where did your call to rise up come from?

My personal story and experiences growing up in a slum community have driven my passion to support others through Street Business School. I see you as someone who was given opportunities to make a difference, and you're dedicated to empowering others.

My call to rise up came from witnessing the challenges faced by the community that I grew up in, and I‘ve channeled that into my work with Street Business School. The call to Impact and cause change to humanity around the globe has become such a profound part of my life. I am committed to creating positive change and believe that collective efforts can lead to a brighter future.

With the support of teams like Empower and Shine, I am optimistic about the impact that can be achieved. My story is a powerful reminder that personal experiences can inspire meaningful action and drive positive change. 

What do you mean when you say to people, "Rise up?"

To me, “rising up" is recognizing one's power to act, reclaiming personal agency, and rewriting one's story. It's about living with purpose, focusing on others, and making a positive impact. A life well-lived brings joy and improvement to others. I believe that everyone has the opportunity to work hard, change their story, and be a force for change in the world.

We need to inspire, empower, and encourage individuals to take ownership of their lives and strive to make a difference. Real Change begins with Me.