Africa’s youth are ambitious, full of untapped potential, and chasing big dreams. All it takes is just one person to believe in them and set them on the path to success. As a trainer at Educate!’s livelihood bootcamps for out-of-school youth, I take pride in being that person. 

At 5:30 AM, Jackline, a Kenyan mother-of-two, is already up preparing for the long day ahead. She bathes her toddler and then heads to the market at 6:30 AM to buy fresh vegetables for her shop. 

“I love fashion and shoes. People always ask where I get my shoes, then they ask me to bring them the shoes the next day,” says Precious, 20, from southeastern Kenya. What began as an interest in fashion is growing into a thriving business.