Our Livelihood Program is a transformative initiative designed to empower vulnerable children, young women, and their male counterparts by equipping them with practical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge, and access to income-generating opportunities. Focused on breaking the cycle of poverty and exploitation, the program addresses the unique challenges faced by youth in Uganda, particularly those in slum and semi-urban areas. By providing tailored training and holistic support, we enable participants to achieve economic independence and build sustainable futures for themselves and their communities.

Through vocational and technical training, participants gain hands-on experience in fields such as tailoring, hairdressing, graphic design, photography, video editing, and computer maintenance. These skills are carefully selected to align with market demands, ensuring that graduates can secure employment or start their own businesses. In 2023 alone, 754 individuals were trained, with over 500 securing jobs within six months of completing their training. Additionally, 60 youth started their own businesses, and two beneficiaries founded organizations to support their peers, showcasing the program’s ripple effect of empowerment.

The program also emphasizes entrepreneurship and financial literacy, offering training in business management, savings mechanisms, and sustainable income generation. Bi-annual business tours and mentorship programs inspire participants to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to local challenges. For example, the “Digitalizing Traditional Skills” project has enabled young women to modernize traditional crafts like tailoring and hairdressing, making them more competitive in today’s market. These initiatives not only build practical skills but also foster a positive attitude toward work and enterprise development.

Beyond skills training, the Livelihood Program provides holistic support to address the emotional and mental well-being of participants. Many of the youth we serve have faced trauma, exploitation, or stigmatization, and our program offers counseling, home visits, and peer support to help them rebuild their confidence and resilience. By combining skills development with psycho-social support, we ensure that participants are not only economically empowered but also emotionally prepared to overcome challenges. Together, we are creating a generation of skilled, self-reliant, and confident individuals who can drive positive change in their communities.