Sheila Aanyu Jessica, a first year student of Bachelors of Science in Marketing at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) considers herself a superstar in the making.
Not only is she determined to excel in her studies. Aanyu who also doubles as a part time chef at weekend functions believes her new-found confidence is down to an internship program she attended at Shoprite Clock Tower in Kampala.
“Prior to applying for that internship program, I was working as a chef. Chefs as you may be aware are always in the backrooms and as such rarely get to interact with customers. I applied for this internship program mainly because I wanted to get out there, talk to many people,” she explains.
The internship program is one of the many activities that Ambition Mission, a community that is engaged in inspiring all young people to achieve their dreams and to stay tobacco free, has put in place.
Members of the Ambition Mission community believe that staying clear of tobacco is important in the journey to achieving your dreams because it shows that you believe in yourself, you respect yourself and you are focused on your goals.
Just like Aanyu, Hassan Mayobyo, a freelance web developer attended the internship program at Shoprite Lugogo and is all praises for the opportunity presented to him by Ambition Mission.
“I have learnt a lot of skills from the internship program like customer care, relationship building and teamwork. These skills have come in handy since my job currently involves speaking to people. I am a very ambitious person and when this opportunity came my way, I did not hesitate,” he says.
Mayobyo says he signed up and took the Ambition Mission pledge because he is ambitious and wishes to see a tobacco-free generation.
“Ambition Mission basically bridges that gap by connecting young people to mentors. The organization is a vehicle for any ambitious person. Now I have learnt that to be successful, I have to be self-confident and always stay focused on my goals. I am tobacco-free and I know that I am going to be a very successful person.”
Steven Boris Shikuru, an Audio and Video Student and also one of the beneficiaries of the Ambition Mission internship program believes that it would benefit even more people if the organization extended the opportunity to places outside Kampala.
“If I went back to Shoprite right now and applied for a job, I would be given one because of my past relationship with them. My hope is that this internship program is extended to other districts in Uganda so that more young people benefit,” he says.
The Ambition Mission community is supported and sponsored by a group of people and organizations who believe in the potential of young Ugandans and want to help them achieve their dreams of a better life. These include: Limelight, Buzz, Kinaya, Every1Mobile, Good Business and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The organization supports and inspires young people through activities such as weekly radio shows, a regular youth magazine and an inspiring Facebook page. Competitions like Rising Stars gives motivated, ambitious young people the opportunity to be recognized for their ambitions and to meet and be inspired by their celebrity role models.