BT Alumni Fellows Association

  Stella Kyokushaba, a Makerere University graduate with a degree in Arts and Social Sciences (2017) , has demonstrated the profound impact of passion, skill, and community service in her professional journey. After completing her studies, she joined the Building Tomorrow Fellowship Program in 2018, where she worked in rural primary schools to improve children's learning outcomes.   This role allowed her to not only contribute to education but also to engage with rural communities, a foundational experience that would later shape her entrepreneurial path. During her tenure as a Fellow and later as a Technical Advisor for Building Tomorrow , Stella played a key role in driving literacy and numeracy initiatives across different districts in Uganda. Her time with the organization, which ended in 2022, reinforced her commitment to improving the lives of children through education. However, Stella's ambitions extended beyond the classroom. The Launch Of Her Endeavors ...

  In today’s fast-paced entrepreneurial world, creating a product or service that resonates with a broad audience can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost in the ambition of building for thousands, but as alumni entrepreneurs, we understand that success doesn’t start with the masses—it starts with one person. Whether you're launching a business or growing an existing one, the key to unlocking massive potential lies in focusing on the needs of one individual at a time. The Power of One Often, entrepreneurs envision creating solutions for hundreds or thousands of people from the get-go. But this big-picture thinking can be paralyzing. How do you even begin to address the diverse needs of so many people? The answer lies in a strategy that is as simple as it is profound: Start with one person. Identify a single customer—your ideal user—and dive deep into their world. Study their challenges, desires, and pain points. What keeps them up at night? What are their goals, both ...

In social entrepreneurship, a balanced approach between optimism and pessimism can be crucial for long-term success. Optimists often drive innovation, take bold steps, and solve pressing societal problems.  However, pessimists are just as important—they serve as early detectors of potential issues, foreseeing challenges that may not be immediately obvious to those with a more positive outlook.   For alumni entrepreneurs, the key is recognizing the value of both perspectives. While optimism fuels motivation and creativity, it’s equally important to have a cautious eye, like that of a pessimist, who can identify risks and plan for uncertainties.  What must be avoided is the tendency to overreact or over process negative events. Dwelling too much on challenges can lead to paralysis, limiting the potential for growth.   Reducing negativity can have a profound impact on your business, team, and personal life. Instead of letting pessimism stifle progress, use it strate...

  To all our alumni entrepreneurs managing social enterprises, and those considering joining the entrepreneurial journey, raising capital from investors is more than just pitching a business idea—it's an emotional sale. When trying to secure funding, you’re essentially encouraging investors to see a part of themselves in you and your vision. This process isn't purely rational; it relies on building a deeper connection. Understanding the Emotional Sale Emotional sales aren’t about checklists. Just like falling in love with a person rarely happens because they check all the boxes (good-looking, nice, smart, etc.), investors often seek one overwhelming quality in your business that they truly admire. It’s about standing out in a way that resonates with them on a personal level.   The Four Categories to Excel In When it comes to securing investment, there are four key areas where your startup should shine. While you may not need to excel in all of them, being exceptional...

Inclusion goes beyond just ensuring everyone is present in the same space—it means recognizing, celebrating, and embracing diversity while ensuring every student feels valued, respected, and supported. In Ugandan rural primary schools, fostering inclusive classroom and school communities is not just an ideal but a necessity to ensure that every child has access to quality education and equal opportunities for growth.   Understanding Inclusion in Education At its core, an inclusive community supports each person’s right to their own identity and expression, while simultaneously ensuring mutual respect for others' rights. For a school community, this means creating an environment where students, regardless of their background, abilities, or identities, are accepted and supported. Inclusion recognizes and accepts everyone’s differences while acknowledging everyone’s value . The key is to foster assertive behavior in students that allows them to appreciate their own uniquene...

  Today, on International Literacy Day, we join the global community in recognizing the transformative power of literacy in shaping brighter futures for individuals and communities. Literacy is not just about reading and writing—it is the foundation upon which education, empowerment, and opportunity are built. For every child, being able to read and write opens the doors to a world of possibilities, enabling them to dream big, achieve their goals, and contribute to their communities. At the BT Alumni Fellows Association, we are especially proud of our alumni who work tirelessly in the education sector, driven by a shared commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to develop foundational literacy skills. These alumni, many of whom serve in some of the most underserved regions, are passionate about breaking down barriers to education and creating environments where children can thrive. Their work—whether as teachers, mentors, or e...

To our current fellows supporting children in hard-to-reach and rural primary schools, it's crucial to recognize the importance of nurturing these learners with an entrepreneurial mindset. This approach is vital for equipping them to thrive in Uganda's demanding and competitive job market. The Importance of an Entrepreneurial Mindset In today's rapidly changing world, an entrepreneurial mindset is crucial for success, regardless of one’s chosen career path. This mindset is not just about starting businesses; it’s about instilling the ability to think creatively, solve problems, and adapt to changing environments. Key components of this mindset include:   - Creativity - Critical thinking - Problem-solving - Communication skills - Flexibility and adaptability - The ability to identify opportunities   These skills are essential for navigating the complexities of the modern workplace and economy. The good news is that an entrepreneurial mindset can be nurtured...