​One day, I heard about a business training program organized by Global Village Connect in our area. Curious and desperate for change, I decided to attend. ​​The training was eye-opening. I learned how to start small, manage money, and identify opportunities in my community. For the first time, I felt empowered to take charge of my life.

After the training, I realized that many women in my village struggled to find dry firewood, especially during the rainy season. My business idea was born. I used my small savings account (about $5.40) to purchase a tree from a neighbor. I cut the tree into manageable pieces, dried the wood, and bundled it into small portions to sell.

I started selling the firewood for 20 cents per bundle. On my first day, I sold five bundles and made a profit of 5,000 shillings (1.3$). I couldn’t believe it!

The women in my village learned they could rely on me to provide dry and affordable wood, the demand for my firewood grew quickly.

Business training taught me the importance of using some of my profits to reinvest in growing and sustaining my business. I was making daily profits of $1.30 and reinvesting them into my business. I bought more trees, and even started to collect fallen branches to increase my supplies.

Another lesson in our training program was to diversify our offerings, and so I started to sell two smaller bundles of wood as well, a medium bundle for 50 cents and a small bundle for 10 cents, thus catering to the needs of a variety of customers. This flexibility helped me attract more buyers.  

Today, my business is thriving. I make a consistent profit, which allows me to provide for my eight children. I can now afford school fees, better food, and even save a little money for emergencies. My children are healthier and happier, and I feel proud to be a role model for them.

Beyond my family, my business has also made a difference in the community. Women in the village no longer struggle to find firewood during the rainy season. Some have even come to me for advice on starting their own small businesses, and I am always happy to share what I learned from Global Village Connect.
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Attending the business training changed my life. I am deeply grateful to Global Village Connect for giving me the knowledge and confidence to start my journey. What seemed like a small step—buying one tree —has transformed my life and given my children a brighter future.

I hope my story inspires other women to believe in themselves and take the first step, no matter how small it may seem. With determination and the right knowledge, anything is possible.

I got an opportunity to attend business training with Global Village Connect. I became determined to change my situation so I started doing casual labor—digging in people’s gardens for little pay. It was exhausting, but after weeks of hard work, I managed to save 50,000 Ugandan shillings (or $13.60). 

That money became the seed for my dream. I used it to buy a small bundle of second-hand clothes from a market in a nearby city. My first stock included children’s shirts, dresses, and trousers. I carried the clothes back to my village and started selling them door-to-door.

At first, business was slow. Many people were hesitant to buy from me, but I didn’t give up. I carefully selected clothes that were clean and in good condition, and I priced them fairly. Slowly, word spread about my business, and customers started coming to me. Within a few weeks, I had doubled my initial capital. I reinvested the profits to buy more clothes, and currently my daily profit is 8,000shs ($2.20).

The business has changed my life. For the first time in years, I can provide for my children without relying on my husband. They no longer go to bed hungry, and I’ve managed to pay their school fees consistently. My eldest son, who once stayed home because we couldn’t afford his uniform, is now back in school and excelling. Now, when I look at my children, I see a brighter future.

My journey taught me that even the smallest beginnings can lead to great transformations. My children are my motivation, and I am determined to build a legacy for them.

​Nuala’s family cared for this goat, it gave birth, and eventually they had six goats. For the last two years, they have sold a goat at the beginning of every school term to cover the costs of Nuala’s school supplies and fees.
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Last May, Nuala sold four goats, which covered both her school fees and enough building materials to construct a small, one-room house. She still has two mature goats, who will produce more goats, providing Nuala and her family with a greatly-needed and reliable source of income and stability.

A bright and determined student, Muhammed caught the attention of the Headmaster at Tikkun Olam Primary School, who recommended him for a scholarship. Thanks to Global Village Connect and the generosity of our donor Toni, Muhammed has had the opportunity to continue his education. Toni didn’t just support him financially—she met him on one of our community trips, deepening their connection.

Now, Muhammed is excelling in high school and is among the top students in his class. His teachers have high hopes for his performance in the 2025 national exams. School has also given him the chance to thrive in extracurricular activities, including playing for the school’s football team.
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At Global Village Connect, we do more than provide scholarships. We offer ongoing support, checking in with students and helping them overcome challenges when their families can’t. Most come from homes where education beyond the sixth grade is rare. For many, like Muhammed, a scholarship is their only chance to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future. ​