25 years old, Iga Hani lives in Kampala, Uganda and is the Visual Art Trainer at Footprint to Freedom. He is a multi-talented individual who not only expresses his creativity through visual art but also as the CEO of Afrocentric, a small-scale business that designs fashionable t-shirts adorned with thought-provoking youth slogans, captivating artwork, mesmerizing photography, and messages promoting computer literacy.

With a focus on fashion, Afrocentric’s fashionable t-shirts become more than just pieces of clothing; they become canvases for powerful messages that the youth want to convey to the world. Each t-shirt carries a unique design created by young artists under Iga’s guidance, reflecting their diverse backgrounds, dreams, and hopes. The t-shirts act as a moving gallery of art, encouraging conversations, sparking curiosity, and driving social change.

Iga’s vision extends beyond just creating art; he sees art as a vehicle for storytelling, a tool to address social issues, and a catalyst for change. He partners with local organizations, schools, and creative communities to organize exhibitions, art festivals, and interactive events, drawing attention to the importance of arts education and advocating for inclusivity and diversity in the creative industry.

Iga continues to lead Afrocentric into new frontiers; his unwavering dedication to empowering the youth through art remains the beating heart of his vision.

Ben Mugerwa is a 29-year-old art teacher and mentor in Kampala, Uganda. Despite dropping out of school at 15, Ben chose to concentrate on his talent for storytelling through art. He recognized the importance of supporting survivors and school dropouts, so he dedicated himself to helping them develop their artistic skills at Footprint to Freedom.

Ben opened a small art shop to support his endeavors and to provide a platform for local artists. Through this shop, he sells various artworks created by himself and other talented individuals. Ben’s aim is not only to showcase the beauty of art but also to inspire and motivate the youth. He serves as a role model, showing them that they can rise above them regardless of their circumstances by investing in and developing their talents.

At Footprint to Freedom, Ben works closely with survivors and school dropouts, mentoring and teaching them various art techniques. Through his guidance, these young individuals are encouraged to explore their creativity and express themselves through art. Ben firmly believes in the transformative power of art and its ability to empower individuals and communities.

With his passion for storytelling and art, Ben’s goal is to impact the lives of those he works with positively. By nurturing their artistic abilities, he hopes to equip them with valuable skills and tools that can lead to personal growth, self-expression, and even potential career opportunities in the art industry.

Ben Mugeraw’s dedication to supporting survivors, school dropouts, and youth in developing their talents is admirable. His story inspires others, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and investing in individual strengths and abilities, regardless of educational background or challenging circumstances.

Grace Mukisa, a spirited and ambitious 16-year-old, resides in Uganda and attends a skilling program at the Footprint Empowerment Center. Her heart overflows with passion for making a positive impact on the world. Her dream is to establish an Eco Fashion shop where she can create stunning sustainable clothing while running a mentoring program for school dropouts.

Last year, she  dropped out of school due to the unaffordable tuition fees for secondary education. Faced with limited options, she considered joining the stream of young girls heading to the Middle East to work under exploitative labor conditions.

Everything changed when Grace discovered the Footprint Skilling Program, which offered courses in Eco Fashion tailoring and Entrepreneurship. This opportunity gave her hope and renewed purpose. As she attended the program, she was exposed to stories from survivors who had endured exploitation in the Middle East. These experiences strengthened her resolve to stand against human trafficking and empower others to break free from the cycle of abuse.

Grace shifted entirely towards gaining the skills needed to fulfil her dream. She dedicated countless hours to learning the art of Eco Fashion and honing her entrepreneurial acumen. She slowly transformed into a talented designer and a confident leader through dedication and hard work. With support from our art instructor Ben Mugerwa, she can include artist messages on the bags and clothes she makes.

Now, Grace not only dreams of having her Eco Fashion shop but also envisions herself as a mentor to other youth who, like her, have faced the harsh realities of dropping out of school. Drawing from her own experiences, she aims to be a guiding light for those who have lost hope and show them that there are alternative paths to success.

Today, Grace is a strong voice against human trafficking, collaborating with fellow survivors at the Footprint to Freedom organization. Together, they raise awareness in their community, sensitizing people to the perils of human trafficking while simultaneously promoting climate literacy in primary schools.

Grace’s story has become an inspiration for many drop school dropouts. She proves that with determination, a supportive community, and a cause worth fighting for, one can overcome adversity and create a better world for themselves and others. As she moves forward with her plans, Grace continues illuminating the path toward a brighter, sustainable, and compassionate future.