James Kasozi, Kampala, Uganda
BSc Computer Science, Makerere University
James Kasozi received his BSc degree in Computer Science from Makerere University in Kampala. Uganda. But he still felt that he needed to practical, hands-on instruction to be employable. So with financial assistance from The Albert Baker Fund he enrolled in a vocational training school in Kampala.
James says that the vocational training helped him land his first job. Immediately after earning his two certificates, he started programming on his own initiative–he wanted to grasp the principles even further of what he’d learned. Then his friends started asking him for help with programming projects which he willingly took on to deepen his experience and knowledge. James worked from home, until a colleague told him about an IT job at the PostBank in Entebbe. James applied, and after a cycle of interviews, he was chosen from among the candidates. He had a one-year contract, and then a six-month contract, and then was confirmed as a full-time employee. He progressed from his entry-level position to become the manager of databases and applications for the entire bank.
James says that what he’s achieved–and looking back on where he started before ABF’s help, until today–he is now able to “pass his blessings forward”–not only in helping his fellow Christian Scientists, but his whole community. He is currently giving back to ABF by volunteering for two years as the ABF In-Country Representative for Uganda, interviewing and assisting ABF students who apply for the same assistance that provided such a helping hand to him when he needed it. He says he would like to thank “all those that are putting anything in to ABF—both those that do the work at headquarters and those that support it financially.” James lives and works in Entebbe, and attends First Church of Christ, Scientist, Kampala.
