Uganda is one of few African countries that has seen a decrease in HIV infection rates since the 1990s, thanks to various educational and health programs offered by the likes of the Uganda Virus Research Institute, the National Blood Bank and The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO). Courses such as the Preventing Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) have contributed to a higher level of awareness regarding the disease, once again proving that education can spur much needed change in countries affected by health crises and poverty.

Although Uganda offers free primary and secondary education to children, a lack of teachers, resources and materials has resulted in low quality education and pupil achievement with classrooms typically having a 1:40 pupil-teacher ratio. Following high school education, students are given a nine-month gap to raise the funds necessary for them to enrol in college and university courses and, with 70% of Uganda’s population living below the poverty line, higher education is simple inaccessible to many – especially women. It is estimated that only 17% of Ugandan girls go on to high school and only 2% go on to college.

Founder of Sseko Designs, Liz Forkin Bohannon , an ethical fashion brand dedicated to educate and empower women in Uganda and greater East Africa, offers secondary students and women from all walks of life the opportunity to create an income through sustainable fashion. Liz initially moved to Uganda to work for a youth development organization based in Kampala, but upon meeting a group of talented women who were facing dire challenges trying to finance their educations, she took it upon herself to find a sustainable solution that would allow these women to earn an income in a dignified manner. Travelling the country by motorcycle in search of raw materials, Liz learned how to make footwear by hand and hired three young women to join her in the venture that would soon become Sseko Designs.

Sseko Designs uses locally sourced materials to make their gorgeous products which range from sandals to accessories, clothes and handbags. Their main goal is to employ young girls who have recently completed their secondary education, so that they can earn the funds to go on to university and ultimately become leaders in their own communities. So far, every woman to have worked with Sseko Designs went on to pursue higher education and this year sees the 106th Sseko woman going on to attend university.

Wear Sseko – send a girl to college!