Entrepreneurial and industrious.
Two words that Olabo Joseph uses to describe graduates of Invisible Children’s Legacy Scholarship Program (LSP).
Joseph, a recent graduate of Kampala International University and LSP, embodies these terms himself. Having studied supplies and procurement management, he is using the managerial skills gained through his studies to make money while he begins to look for a job.
Joseph decided to work towards this degree after noting a demand for business skills throughout Uganda and realizing that this sort of skill set would be marketable.
“Before joining the scholarship program, I used to make saucepans and iron boxes. I am now doing something similar and looking for the prospect of exporting them to Kenya. Since I studied business, this is a way to use my degree immediately. So far so good,” Joseph said.
Joseph, the oldest of seven children, is using the money he is making from his business to help support his younger siblings. Soon after his graduation, Joseph’s mother passed away and he found that he would now be responsible for supporting his younger brothers and sisters. He remembers what it is like to feel hopeless so wants to maintain the confidence he has gained during his educational career as he plans for his family’s future.
Joseph, second from right, celebrates graduation with other members of the Legacy Scholarship Program.
Joseph had no way of paying for secondary school fees, but applied to the Legacy Scholarship Program in 2006. He was accepted and has been a member of LSP ever since.
“I nearly lost hope of my studies,” he said about the time before receiving a scholarship. “But, with Invisible Children, all my hopes of life had been rekindled. The seven-year relationship prepared me to face the world…and find the right direction,” he said.
When he joined the program, Joseph was the only boy at his school enrolled in LSP. He still remains thankful for the opportunity.
He believes that education is not the only way for students to reach success.
“Northern Uganda suffered a lot and there is a need to open the eyes of children. We would not want them to be without education. When they study they will not have the mindset of crime and getting into trouble. Many are suffering as result of the war. But I believe the children behind me will go to school and Northern Uganda will change it the future,” he said.
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