The Courage to Start: How Self-Belief Helped Nangobi Build A Thriving Food Stall

Nangobi’s growing confidence sparked a journey that led to greater independence and a business she now calls her own.

In Eastern Uganda, where fertile soils and harvests are bountiful, Nangobi — the fourth of ten children — grew up believing in reaping what you sow. She studied hard in school; however, financial barriers caused her to leave school before the end of secondary. 

At home, Nangobi spent her days helping her mother with household chores and tending the family crops. She felt a responsibility to her younger siblings and wanted to contribute to the family's daily needs. Yet beneath that routine, she aspired for more.

“I had a dream of starting a business, but lacked money and skills,” Nangobi shared.  

When she heard about Educate!’s livelihood bootcamp, Nangobi saw an opportunity to take a step toward the future she envisioned. 

“Yes I Can”

At the livelihood bootcamp, Nangobi was inspired in the very first session called “Yes I Can,” led by her young Trainer, Abel. He spoke about how he started his agribusiness by growing rice on a small piece of land. Over time, he reinvested his profits to rent more land — eventually expanding to four acres where he cultivated rice and other cash crops like groundnuts.

The session challenged Nangobi to see herself as a problem solver capable of building something from small beginnings. Abel’s story demonstrated that progress does not happen overnight, but through persistence and steady effort. This sparked a newfound confidence in Nangobi, and the idea of starting her own business suddenly felt possible.

“I am proud because I learned to believe in myself. Even though I am young, I can succeed,” says Nangobi.

Trainer Abel and Nangobi reconnect six months after the bootcamp to discuss how her business is going.

Turning Skills into Action

Through hands-on training in conducting market research and delivering good customer service, Nangobi began to see clear steps towards starting a business. Realizing that there were only two cooks in her area, she identified a gap in the market and decided to fill it by launching a food stall serving lunch and dinner to passersby. 

Nangobi then approached a friend to partner with her. Putting bootcamp lessons on budgeting and resource allocation into practice, she sat down with a pen and paper to carefully draft a business plan. With a small investment, she purchased raw ingredients like rice, beans, and cooking oil, while her friend contributed pots and utensils. Together, they rented a small room along a busy street and set their plan into motion.

Building Momentum and Independence 

The business started slowly. In the early days, Nangobi faced several challenges — customers questioned her ability because she was young, and some even ate without paying. 

With quiet determination, Nangobi held on to the lessons her trainer Abel had shared. She spoke calmly but confidently to her customers, setting clear expectations that meals had to be paid for at the time of service. 

At the same time, she remained consistent — welcoming customers warmly, listening to their needs, and delivering reliable service. Gradually, this approach built mutual respect and kept customers paying and returning.

Looking Toward the Future

Today, Nangobi’s business serves a steady stream of regulars. On her best days, she can make UGX 60,000 (~$17 USD). For the first time, she is no longer fully dependent on her parents. She covers her own basic needs — food, clothing, and other personal expenses. And in small but meaningful ways, she gives back, sharing extra food with her family.

Each week, she also sets aside savings toward her next investment: plastic tables and chairs. It’s both a practical and strategic decision. Nangobi knows that by improving her customers’ experience, she can attract more visitors to her food stall and continue to grow her income.

She continues to build her independence, demonstrating how determination, resilience, and practical skills developed through Educate!’s livelihood bootcamp can turn a small beginning into steady progress toward bigger goals.