Kagoya Brenda grew up in Acholi Quarter, Kampala, with her mother, Anena Beatrice, who makes paper beads to earn a living, and her two brothers and sister. Her father, Ssekabira Yusuf, was a soldier and sadly passed away.
At school, Brenda was a bright student. Her favourite subject was English, she loved playing netball, and her dream was to become an optician. Thanks to our partner organisation Wir helfen sehen, she was able to start her optician training in Kyamulibwa five years ago.
Today Brenda does more than work in her profession. In September 2024 she and Simon received their instructor diplomas, and after an additional internship she now teaches at the optician school, training the next generation of opticians in Uganda.
One training can change so much: more people get access to eye tests, glasses are fitted, and new professionals are trained. That is how lasting eye care is built, and Brenda is proof that helping people to help themselves works.
Her favourite colour is blue, and her favourite meal is meat and rice.