My name is James, and I come from Iganga, Uganda. For many years, I worked as a school cook. Every morning, I would wake up before sunrise to light the firewood, prepare porridge for the children, and later cook lunch for the teachers and pupils. It was a tough job, and the pay was very little. I watched other people in the school move up the ladder, becoming teachers, deputy heads, and even head teachers, while I remained in the kitchen.

Deep inside, I knew I was capable of more. I had finished my education up to diploma level, but after struggling to find a teaching job, I settled for cooking because I needed to feed my family. Still, every day as I stirred the big pots of beans and posho, I prayed for a better life. I wanted to be respected, to use my education, and to prove to myself and others that I was destined for more than just serving food. To read more Click here.