Presenting the Inspire Skills Studio Academy (ISSA)

Partnership History

The Giving Exchange (TGE) first partnered with Inspire Girls Foundation (IGF) in Kasese, Uganda, in 2022, launching sewing and soap-making vocational cohorts led by the fearless Lilian Biira. What began as a single skills training has grown into a thriving social enterprise, empowering dozens of women with the ability to generate income and build financial independence.

Many TGE supporters will recognize Lilian from our 2023 Gala in Berkeley, CA, where she shared her powerful journey—from facing bullying and abandonment to becoming a leader and advocate for young women in her community. Thank You from IGF's Lilian Birra - Vocational Training for Girls with Inspire Girls Foundation.

Four years later, our partnership with IGF has only strengthened. We’ve supported their expansion into new trades, funded Lilian and her colleague Isaya to attend leadership and business training through Street Business School, and watched their impact multiply. Now, in 2024, we’re proud to take this partnership to the next level, launching our most ambitious project yet—the Inspire Skills & Sustainability Academy (ISSA).