Stitching His Future: How sponsorship gave Isaac a second chance at life

Isaac Emiku, 23, grew up in a humble family in Gweri, Soroti district, where poverty threatened to cut short his dreams. His parents could barely afford school fees, and at one point, he was at risk of dropping out. However, his life changed when he was enrolled in World Vision’s child sponsorship programme.

“At the age of 5. I got an opportunity to be sponsored by World Vision. The impact was immediate, and my parents were relieved of a lot of pressure.” Isaac says.

Throughout the programme, Isaac received school fees, scholastic materials, and citrus seedlings to generate income for his family. But beyond the immediate needs, World Vision also provided vocational skills training opportunities for youth in his community. Recognising the importance of practical skills, Isaac enrolled in shoe-making sessions supported by the organisation.

Passion for shoemaking

When Isaac completed his senior four in 2020, he wanted something to do with his hands. “When World Vision offered training in shoemaking in my community, I knew this was an opportunity for me to build something for myself,” Emmanuel recalls.

Isaac and other community members were trained for three days at Gweri Sub-County headquarters. After three months, another refresher training was rolled out for five days.

“After this training, we were clustered in a group of 18 youth and given start-up kits that included a sewing and smoothing machines.” He adds. The group started making shoes, but there wasan inconsistency with most of the members.

Mastering the shoemaking skill

With dedication, in 2021, started his own shoemaking and repairs business. It’s at this point that he decided to pursue a professional course in the field. He enrolled and obtained a certificate in leather turning and leather goods production after 2 years of training.

“I returned with an idea of setting up my own workshop. My parents were very supportive in ensuring I achieved my dream," says Isaac,  “They contributed money that I used to rent a house at Gweri Trading Centre and my dream took shape.”

Today, Isaac earns between 15,000 to 20,000 Uganda shillings daily, and he no longer relies on his parents for basic needs. Instead, he now supports his parents whenever he can.

But Isaac’s journey doesn’t end with personal success. He’s now mentoring two other youth in shoe-making, with plans to expand his workshop and hire more skilled hands. He dreams of pursuing a diploma to deepen his knowledge of the vocation.

“I am very grateful to World Vision,” Isaac says. “Without their support, I would not be the person I am today.”

Isaac’s journey powerfully illustrates how skilling programmes for registered children can unlock lasting transformation.

Story by; Derrick Kyatuka, Communications Manager, and Mungu Jakisa Brian, Communications Officer.