Ruth's story: Graduate, teacher, and role model for current students

by Ruth, Neema’s Shop Assistant & Tailoring Instructor

Before I came to Neema, life was hard. Due to lack of school fees, I had to drop out of school in the year 2009 when I was in seventh grade. During that time my mother got very sick, and my father was not around. We had no information about where he was. I decided to stay with my mom and take care of her and my younger sisters. Two years later, I went to stay with my grandmother. During that period I used to do casual work, including selling milk and also working at the farm. One particular week when I was selling milk, I came across posters advertising Neema. I decided to come for an interview. That was in October of 2013. In December, I received the good news from Neema that I was among those who were selected. I remembered that I cried tears of joy and gave thanks to God because he had just answered my prayer. I started at Neema in January 2014.

Ruth helps one of Neema’s third-year students

Ruth by the Neema classrooms

I really had to struggle and work hard because I knew this was my future. Even though there were a lot of struggles and challenges that I encountered — challenges like lacking exam money, and [lack of respect from other students] — I never gave up. I took the entry and mid-level dressmaking exams while I was at Neema, and then took the advanced level exam in 2021.

In 2020 I was employed at Neema as an instructor and assistant shop manager. Having had a similar background as many of the Neema girls, I have to make sure they have skills, that they can be their own bosses, and that they can be independent women. My happiness is seeing them succeed and having bright futures like myself. While teaching these girls in class, my desire is to make sure that they understand these skills and that they can do it on their own.

I now have a dressmaking shop that I opened in the beginning of 2023, and I have employed one of Neema’s alumni, Florence. And I am looking forward to employing more people. My goal is to give employment to girls that will have graduated.

Ruth Nafula, Shop Assistant & Tailoring Instructor