đź“– About Us

 

UAI takes a holistic view of transformation, combining:

 

Spiritual: Daily Bible study to cultivate Godly values

Psychological: Mental health & story‑therapy workshops

Social: Community engagement & generative conversations

Physical: Basic health awareness & first aid training

Entrepreneurial: Skills development & small business management

Vision:

A thriving African community whose strength comes from diversity.


Mission:

Create safe environments for South Africans and foreign nationals to learn together, fostering healthier relationships through vocational training.

Upskill Africa Initiative started in 2016 after xenophobic attacks exposed deep rifts between local South Africans and foreign nationals. Founder Tito Haguma noticed that many migrant communities possessed valuable skills but lacked formal spaces to share them. UAI was born to create such spaces—bridging divides through vocational training.

Social Impact Goals

Participants learn marketable skills while building relationships across racial and national lines. Within the next two years, UAI plans to:

 

Train women and men in sewingTrain youth in cell phone repair

 

Expand appliance and shoe repair programsFoster greater understanding and tolerance between locals and foreign nationals

 

Improve livelihoods through micro‑enterpriseIncrease self‑awareness and resilience through mental, physical and spiritual growth

 

🔧 Programs

Upskill Africa Initiative started in 2016 after xenophobic attacks exposed deep rifts between local South Africans and foreign nationals. Founder Tito Haguma noticed that many migrant communities possessed valuable skills but lacked formal spaces to share them. UAI was born to create such spaces—bridging divides through vocational training.

 

FIND OUT MORE

A practical course that teaches shoe repair skills to help participants start a daily income business.

 

With the rise of affordable but less durable shoes, repairing footwear is a growing niche.

 

Our pilot program trained 10 people and provided tools to launch their own businesses.

Participants learn to disassemble and repair feature phones, Android smartphones and iPhones.

 

Topics include:

Tools and equipment

Disassembly/assembly of various brands (Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, etc.)

Motherboard components, chip-level work, multimeter use, soldering

Jumper bridging, replacing ports and connectors, troubleshooting faults

Repairing water‑damaged phones

 

FIND OUT MORE

In partnership with Video Clinic and Zoe‑Life/FORGE, this three‑month program trains youth.

 

Modules include:

Introduction to home appliance repair

Electricity theory and practice

Gas & electric stove repair, washing machine repair, microwave troubleshooting.

Appliance troubleshooting (iron, fan, toaster, refrigeration).

Digital marketing, community dialogue, business coaching, group counselling.

 

FIND OUT MORE

Community in Conversation