Liberty Life Assurance Uganda has successfully concluded the inaugural Kuza School Challenge, an initiative designed to promote financial literacy and social entrepreneurship among secondary school students.
Launched in September 2024 at Kabojja International School, the program culminated in an inspiring event where students presented their innovative entrepreneurial projects and were awarded seed funding to turn their ideas into reality.
The Kuza School Challenge was designed to equip students with essential skills in financial management and entrepreneurship while also addressing critical community issues. Throughout the program, participants engaged in hands-on training, developed detailed business proposals, and received expert mentorship, particularly from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), which helped refine their business ventures.
Joseph Almeida, Managing Director of Liberty Life Assurance Uganda, praised the students for their creativity and dedication to finding solutions to the challenges facing their communities.
“This initiative was about more than just starting businesses, but about empowering the next generation with the financial knowledge and skills needed to succeed in business while also encouraging them to create positive social impact. We are proud to support these young innovators as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys,” Almeida said.
The students showcased remarkable business acumen with projects that addressed a wide range of social issues, from environmental sustainability to improving access to education, healthcare, and technology. Their projects demonstrated an impressive blend of financial discipline, problem-solving, and social entrepreneurship.
The insurer awarded Shs 2 million in seed funding to each of the winning teams, providing them with the resources to bring their business plans to life. In addition to the financial support, the program continued to offer mentorship to help students turn their ideas into viable social enterprises with lasting impact.
The Kuza School Challenge comes at a critical time, as only 32% of Ugandans are financially literate, and many small business owners struggle with financial management. This initiative marks a significant step in preparing the next generation of financially-savvy and socially-conscious entrepreneurs.
Almeida said by fostering effective money management and entrepreneurial skills, Liberty Life Assurance Uganda is helping young people develop the tools they need to grow businesses and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
He said the insurer plans to expand the Kuza School Challenge to more schools across the country, with the aim of reaching thousands of students and further promoting financial literacy and innovation. “The challenge has proven to be a powerful reminder of the immense potential within Uganda’s youth and the importance of financial education in building a brighter, more prosperous future for all,” he said.
Jerome Baita, Head of Digital and Marketing at Liberty, emphasized the students’ awareness of global challenges, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “It was inspiring to see these young minds tackling crucial issues such as poverty, waste management, and environmental sustainability. Their ability to engage with such important global conversations shows the power of youth-driven innovation,” Baita said.
He added that the success of the Kuza School Challenge highlights the value of creating opportunities for young people to explore their potential and contribute to society.
“Through initiatives like this, Liberty Life Assurance Uganda is not only fostering the leaders of tomorrow but also aligning with broader goals of financial independence, innovation, and social responsibility,” he said.
Leave a Reply