Confidence Aheebwa’s father lost his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The family has been surviving on the mother’s saloon.

Aheebwa 9, decided to find something to do to get money. In June last year, she started making craft shoes for children and adults.

It takes Aheebwa three days to make a pair. She has made and sold over 80 pairs.

She makes them in the afternoon after lunch because she spends the morning hours doing chores with her three siblings.

Some of the shoes she makes

Aheebwa says that this business has kept her busy during the lockdown. She doesn’t have the time to loiter around the village or join bad company.

How she started

Aheebwa learnt the skill from her friend in the neighbourhood. She used to visit her and find her mother making craft shoes. 

She got so interested. She started helping out while learning. She started with crocheting the straps of the shoes and after she also learnt to join the straps to the carpet.

“It took me one month to learn how to crochet, sew the carpet and put the shoes together,” she says.

Aheebwa had spoken to her parents about her dream of joining a better school when schools reopen next year. She wanted to save and contribute to her fees.

Her mum bought for her a hook at sh3,000 and three thread rolls at sh4,000 each.

She started in September last year. But after putting the straps and carpet together, she takes them to the cobbler to fix the soles.

Aheebwa also trained her mother who helps her to select colours.

Cost

Aheebwa sells a pair between sh15, 000 and sh30, 000 depending on the size and sole type.

After buying materials, her mum helps her to save the balance.

Her plans

Aheebwa dreams of being a doctor and treat poor people.

She also wants to grow her business into a shoes factory and training centre. 

Who is Aheebwa?

Aheebwa is ten years old in primary four at Hilltop Nursery and Primary School. 

She has three siblings and she is the second born. Her parents are Benon Tugumisirize and Zipporah Katushabe. The family stays in Nantabulirwa village, Mukono district. 

How to make the shoes

You need a crocheting hook, threads, soles, and glue and carpet material.

I use a hook and thread and start crocheting, the same way we make table cloths.

I first decide on the design, size and colour mixes of the shoes I am yet to make.

After, I glue the top to the carpet and take it to the cobbler to fix the sole.

At that stage, it’s ready for wear.