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When Jocelyn moved to Kampala from a rural region of Uganda in search of opportunities, she never could have imagined that one day she would be the senior production manager for one of the most innovative companies in the country.
At the time she was a university graduate but was finding it difficult getting a job. Then she was introduced to Kampala Fair, a fashion and interior design brand created to empower women. That was three years ago. Today, Jocelyn is an integral member of the team.
Jocelyn is originally from Mbarara and a member of Uganda's Ankoli tribe.
Mbarara is a town in the Western Region of the country. Mbarara gained its name from the colonial mispronunciation of the local word "Emburara," a tall green grass favored by the Ankole long-horned cow. Mbarara is the largest urban center and main business capital of Western Uganda, a region commonly referred to as "the land of milk and honey." Learn more about Mbarara.
In addition to empowerment, Kampala Fair, is all about the integrity of the craft. For Jocelyn, the brand’s production manager, integrity starts with sourcing the finest materials. Sourcing begins weekly with a trip to the local market in search of the best fabrics, zippers and other materials needed to bring the brand's designs to life.
Having a sustainable income has changed daily life for Jocelyn and her family in countless ways. Not only is she able to meet her immediate family’s daily needs, but she is also able to invest in the future of her extended family. She was able to pay the school tuition for her nephew, with her own earnings, a fact that makes her beam with pride.
In Uganda parents pay for their children’s education from the age of 6 (primary school) until age of 18 (secondary education). Payments are broken up over three times a year. In a country where 23 percent of head of households have no formal education, this is often a financial burden for families with low income. Often the fees exceed the household income and as a result children are often forced out of the education system.
We love partnering with amazing companies like Kampala Fair to help women like Jocelyn build better lives for themselves and their families! Want to support Jocelyn and her friends at Kampala Fair? Shop the creations from Kampala Fair.
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