At the beginning of the year, Lydia approached me to work with her on the business facilitations for the women at Nakivale camp.
I was elated that she had considered and seen me capable enough.
I had never done work with refugees or at a refugee camp so the experience in itself was exciting.
After hearing about the establishment of the library, I’d always wanted to be part of the work done there but didn’t know how.
This was definitely an opportunity that I had manifested.
We went into looking at possible partners and Kisoboka Africa was recommended.
We were impressed by their body of work as well as the enthusiasm that they displayed with working towards this project.
The journey to Nakivale was long, I remember taking several naps and we were not there yet.
I am not the biggest fan of traveling but there’s calm that comes with the countryside and in no time my impatience was settled.
The first training was set for March, 12, 2021 to carry on for 5 months with two sessions every month.
There was a selection of ten women from the camp that showed interest whether or not they had businesses.
One thing that stood out during the first session was the statement that Stephen Katende, founder of Kisoboka Africa made to these women saying
“If you don’t have a business already, I’m certain by the fifth session, you’d have started one or the idea would have come to you.” That was very powerful.
I was in complete awe of Nakivale itself, the trading center and also being able to witness how a community has created a way to sustain.
I am looking forward to returning to Nakivale to see the progress of these women mentally and financially.
According to one of the women attending this program, she is excited to gain knowledge and learn more skills about business.
She also gained new friends to be sharing life with, she added.
The class is set to learn different concepts that include;
Finding capital, money management, market research and record keeping.
Lydia Kanyambo, the program Director of Home away from Home said this program is a dream come true.
In her words she said,
She is happy about the launch of this program
that will produce role model entrepreneurs who will inspire
and be looked up to in the Nakivale community,
This program was launched in partnership with Kisoboka Africa,
A financial inclusion and youth empowerment organisation that focuses on improving livelihoods of rural communities.
Written by,
Lisa Kanyomozi Rabwoni,
GT Coordinator, Uganda
