Catherine had always dreamed of owning her own business. However, her dream became a distant memory when she was separated from her parents at a young age and left in the care of her stepmother. Despite a chronic lung problem, Catherine was forced to work long hours at multiple jobs, with every shilling she earned being taken by her stepmother to support the rest of the family.
Her worst job was working late every night at a bar, where she faced inappropriate advances from men and felt trapped in a cycle of abuse. Overshadowed by sorrow and darkness, Catherine found herself on the brink of prostitution. That’s when everything changed.
One day, a friend invited her to a graduation ceremony at Elevate, our high-tech vocational school. There, she saw peers her age celebrating their achievements and securing employment. Inspired, she decided to enroll in the graphic design course.
While studying, she opened a student account with our partner bank and saved diligently. Upon graduating, she was provided with a low-interest loan and purchased her own computer, immediately launching her freelancing career.
Today, Catherine boasts a portfolio of local and international clients. She remains committed to giving back and is now using her skills to run the media department at her community church. Additionally, she trains other young girls, empowering them to pursue careers in graphic design.
Catherine’s journey from hardship to empowerment through the Elevate program is a testament to the transformative power of education and support. Her story inspires many and showcases the profound impact of education that leads to a sustainable career.
