From Job Hunting to Salon Management: Gisele's Journey

Gisele Niyibizi did everything the way it's supposed to work. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management, expecting it to open doors. Instead, she spent a long stretch of time job hunting with nothing to show for it.

Rather than wait indefinitely, Gisele made a decision. In September 2018, she paid her own way into a short hairdressing course at Mwananshuti VTC, hoping a practical skill might get her further than her degree had so far.

Not long after she finished, COVID-19 hit, and like people everywhere, she found herself struggling through a period with very few opportunities. But once things began to open back up, Gisele started finding work in hairdressing and beauty salons, and for the first time in a while, she was able to support herself. What stood out to her most was that a short course certificate was doing something her bachelor's degree had struggled to do.

Later, when Mwananshuti VTC launched its own salon, Mwananshuti Salon, to help generate income for the school, they needed someone who could run it well. Gisele's business background made her the natural choice, and the school brought her on as manager. She didn't stop working with her hands either. Today, she manages the salon and still works there as a hairdresser.

Gisele is deeply thankful for the opportunity Mwananshuti VTC gave her, and for how much it has changed the direction of her life.

In her own words: "I studied business hoping it would take me somewhere, but it was a short course in hairdressing that actually changed my life. Now I get to use both, managing a salon and doing the work I trained for, and I'm grateful Mwananshuti VTC gave me that chance."