Before the distribution, families participated in a hands-on training led by a veterinary officer—an essential step in ensuring long-term success.

Parents learned how to properly feed and house the goats, recognize early signs of illness, and provide basic care, including how to support pregnant goats and newborn kids. The session was interactive, with parents asking thoughtful, practical questions rooted in their day-to-day realities.

“The training has helped us understand how to take good care of the goats,” one mother shared afterward. “I thought cassava was okay for goats, but I learned today that not all cassava is safe. This knowledge will help the goats multiply so our children can benefit for a long time.”

Already, the impact is beginning to take shape. Many of the goats were pregnant at the time of distribution—and just last week, one family celebrated the birth of twins.

But the vision extends far beyond these first 20 families.

The women’s salon continues to grow as both a small business and a steady source of support for the 10 women at its center. With consistent customer traffic and a strong reputation for quality services—braiding, styling, and basic beauty care—the team is building something sustainable together.

Over the past two months, that stability has translated into measurable results:

• January: $1,206 in sales, and $676 in profit
• February: $1,147 in sales, and $617 in profit
  
  

Yet the most meaningful outcomes aren’t found in the totals—they’re found in how those earnings are used.
As families prepared for the new school term, the women made a deliberate and unified decision: instead of setting aside profits for savings, they distributed the income equally to meet immediate needs at home. For many, that meant paying school fees, purchasing uniforms, and securing supplies—ensuring their children could return to school ready and confident.

This is what impact looks like in real time.

Income earned through the salon is helping cover essentials like food, school fees, and healthcare—but it’s also creating something less tangible and just as important: stability, dignity, and a growing sense of possibility.

Inside the salon, that progress is visible every day. The women continue to strengthen their skills, support one another, and take pride in their work. What began as an income-generating project has become a space of shared purpose and personal growth.
​
And it’s made possible through investment that trusts women to lead, decide, and support their families in the ways that matter most.

Even amid hardship, Collin shines. He completed his Primary Leaving Examinations with a remarkable 4 aggregate—the highest score possible. It should have opened every door. Instead, without financial support, Collin was on the brink of dropping out. Everything changed when he received a Global Village Connect scholarship.

The scholarship didn’t just cover school fees—it gave Collin stability, supplies, and the confidence that he wouldn’t be sent home. With those burdens lifted, he could focus fully on learning. And he has. Today, Collin is a thriving "A" student with room to dream big.

His dream? To become a medical researcher—discovering diseases, developing cures, and helping save lives. It’s a goal rooted in service and gratitude for the opportunity he’s been given.
​
Collin explains, “Global Village Connect gave me the opportunity to dream again."

His story is a reminder of why education matters—not just for one student, but for families, communities, and entire generations.
Stories are powerful—especially when told by the students living them. Watch Collin share his journey in his own words.

Did you miss the Global Village Connect gala? Then you missed this inspiring video about Zohar Salon in Namatumba.

Zohar means "radiance," and true to its name, these women are shining brightly, lighting the way for others who dare to dream. 

​Carolyn is just 23 years old—a single mother, living with her parents, and raising her young son. For a long time, she carried a heavy burden. She wanted to help her family and contribute, but didn’t know where to begin.

That’s when she joined Global Village Connect’s business training. What she found there was more than knowledge; she found confidence and the knowledge to move forward.
​
Caroline learned how to start small, manage money, and treat customers well. And she put those lessons into action. With just a $5 loan from friends, she opened a tiny stall selling donuts and tea.
​
Watch her inspiring story to hear it in her own words. 

What an unforgettable evening! Thanks to your generosity, enthusiasm, and spirit of adventure, our Into the Wild Gala was a tremendous success. Together, we raised $67,500 toward our goal of $70,000 — an incredible show of support for Global Village Connect’s mission to break the cycle of poverty through education and opportunity.

The night was filled with laughter, bidding wars, a heartfelt paddle raise, and a safari-style journey through Uganda that brought our partner communities to life. Your participation — whether through attending, donating, bidding, or volunteering — made all the difference.

Because of you, more students will stay in school, more women will launch businesses, and more families will thrive.

If you missed the chance to give or would like to help us cross the finish line to reach our full goal, it’s not too late — donations are still being accepted.
​
With gratitude from all of us — and from the students and women in Uganda whose futures you’ve helped brighten,

In June, a determined group of women in Namutumba proudly opened the doors of their new salon, made possible through sponsorship support from Ahavas Shalom. What began as a dream has grown into a thriving business run by ten women working hand in hand to make it succeed.

The women credit much of their success to the business training provided by Global Village Connect two years ago. That training gave them the tools to manage finances with care, keep accurate records, and serve clients with professionalism. Now, with skills and opportunity working together, the salon is drawing a steady stream of walk-in customers every day.

Looking ahead, the women are focused on growth. Their next goal is to purchase salon supplies directly from companies, cutting out middlemen to save on transport costs and benefit from economies of scale. This shift will help make the business more profitable.