AKETCH JOY WINNIE: A Story of Teacher Turned Model

The fashion world has recently welcomed many young talented Africans and people of African descent. From Anok Yai, Khaby Lame, Lous And The Yakuza, the list is endless but Uganda’s Joy Winnie Aketch has a fascinating story to share to the world. 

The 29-year-old English and Literature graduate from Makerere University has always had a passion for modelling. And while her conditions weren’t too favourable, she made the best out of it. From a remote village in Tororo, Eastern Uganda, Winnie walks through the prestigious fashion houses. Her dreams were born in the alleys of Kampala, posing for photos with a silhouette of stardom leaning not far away from Winnie.

In 2018 Winnie (Just 25 by then) was featured at the Gucci cruise in Alyscamps in France. And this walkway birthed a star from the African Pearl.

She has modelled for various top international fashion brands such as Missoni, Rag and Bone, Khaite NY, and Marc Jacobs.

Every part of her story is important to Aketch. Including teaching after her graduate studies.

“Once a teacher always a teacher. ‘Teaching was and still is still a great art for me’ she says. " I get to speak and guide so many young girls and boys towards their dreams.” And teaching still helps in her modelling journey. “Teaching has given my modelling career a push. Casting directors and Agencies often ask… and being a teacher is a bonus for me.”

Aketch might be in her dream role but it’s still not without its challenges. Being 30, she has seen her fair share of casting directors changing faces and disapproval when they know her age. But she does not let it stop her from being who she wants to be. She’s still very competitive.

“If God places you in a certain place, you will thrive.” - Aketch writes.

Apart from being a model, Winnie is a content creator. She explores her culture and country to her huge following on social media. Someone with fame but prefers to show the world her humble lifestyle of rural living and an African setting.

Through sarcasm, she challenges people who are ignorant about African culture to learn, love, and respect her way of living.

LITTLE HANDS OF GRACE, a nonprofit organization started up by Miss Aketch, is dedicated to providing food, safe water, and education to the disadvantaged Katerema children in Tororo, Eastern Uganda.

The organization run by Joy Winnie Aketch and Mugabe Christopher assists in organising goFunds which help provide weekly food deliveries, assist with school fees payments, and scholastic materials and keep these children’s hope alive.

Miss Aketch’s story inspires people of different walks of life. A teacher from a humble background blossoming into a walkway work of art, to a philanthropist.