Sakina Usengimana

Class of 2017

I’ve always wanted to be a businesswoman, but when I started my first business in baking, I failed. I learned about Akilah, and I knew I wanted to study entrepreneurship. I believe it can create jobs, build my business skills, and help my family.

At Akilah, we have counselors who support and assist you when you have a problem with your studies and in your personal life. Studying is not just going to class. I have another life because I run two businesses, and I need balance. If my life outside is good, my studies will be good. In other universities, there is no other support like that. You cannot go talk to instructors the way we can talk to them at Akilah.

At school, my mentor is Moses Senyonjo, the entrepreneurship instructor. I chose Moses because I needed someone who could help me improve my businesses, which are selling electricity and making jewelry. I make earrings, necklaces, and bracelets from tailors’ fabric remnants. I recycle the material. I have sold my jewelry through an entrepreneurship program, where Akilah gives us capital to sell our products. I learned what colors my customers like, and I select those when I pick fabric from the market.

We had a business idea competition at Akilah. There were 35 entries, and my idea for the jewelry business won. I plan to compete in more competitions. I applied online for an investment expo with another organization, and they selected me. I have not yet gotten all the information, but I know you have to pitch and meet with investors. If they are interested, they can put money in your business.

After graduation, I want to grow my jewelry business. I really like fashion and using my own hands. Nobody tells you what to do. You do what you feel, and you get feedback from people. Sometimes they like it, and other times they like something different. If I get investment, I will just keep focusing on it. If not, I’ll find a job so I can work on the business during weekends.

Before Akilah, I had a fixed mindset that focused on myself and my family because they’re what I have. But after Akilah, I began thinking about what I could give to my community. I started a business at my home, where I sell electricity, mobile phone minutes, and other household items. Now people in my community do not have to travel long distances to buy electricity. I’m also teaching other girls to make jewelry.

“My brother and sister are now pursuing their studies. It’s like I gave them direction.”

My family has seen me change. If I learn something new, I share it with them so that they can change too. My family saw how going to school gave me a future. My brother and sister are now pursuing their studies. It’s like I gave them direction. I’ve become a role model to them. I feel good about my family because I will graduate, and my brother and sister will graduate after me, and that helps everybody.