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. 

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.

Joram Micheal, the Farm Manager at Kwania Goat Farm, is thrilled to report that the new sileage machine is already making a huge difference in efficiency and goat health. "Goat feeding," says Joram, "is truly at the heart of what we do."

Joram explains, "​Every day, we use our new feed cutter to transform fresh napier grass into perfect silage. This modern approach ensures our goats get the best, leading to improved digestion, less waste, and optimal growth and productivity.

"It's a small step with huge benefits: healthier animals, better yields, and smarter resource use. At Kwania Farm, we combine traditional values with modern methods to set new standards in livestock farming.
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"Thanks for being part of our story. We're not just feeding goats; we're feeding hope, sustainability, and a better future."

Read more about Kwania Goat Farm

Kwania goat farm was established by seventeen local families working to escape poverty through collectively owning and running a sustainable business. 

Farm construction took place in early 2024, but getting the goats proved difficult. An outbreak of hoof and mouth disease in Uganda meant that no new goats were being sold for several months. When they were finally available, our team took a trip across the country to procure the goats. Hours of bad roads, difficulty getting required permits and paperwork, and several tense checkpoints later, the goats arrived in Kwania!

Last December, Kwania celebrated the arrival of seven healthy kids—a joyful reminder of the farm’s potential and the fruits of teamwork. While we haven’t yet achieved profitability, the farm’s progress is a shared achievement, with community members actively involved in every step. From feeding the goats to monitoring the expectant mothers, the dedication of our neighbors is helping pave the way for success.

Recognizing the need for sustainable practices, we’ve planted high-quality feeds with the help of local volunteers. The community’s shared knowledge and hands-on involvement are also guiding us as we prepare to acquire a silage machine to grind and stock feeds. This will ensure that our goats receive the nutrition they need, especially during the dry season.
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Excitement is building as we look forward to our first major milestone—our anticipated Easter sale. With 20 pregnant goats expected to deliver soon, the farm is buzzing with hope and anticipation. The sale will mark a significant step toward profitability, but more importantly, it will be a moment of pride for the community that has invested its time, energy, and resources into the farm’s growth.

Kwania Goat Farm isn’t just about raising goats; it’s about building a collective future. Every milestone we achieve is a testament to the resilience and unity of the community behind it. Together, we are nurturing more than a farm—we’re cultivating hope, opportunities, and a brighter tomorrow.

Why Support Business Training
​Mothers Yes We Can is made up of ten single moms who face poverty and little or no access to family resources like land. These women completed Global Village Connect's Business Training Program and formed a collective. The women are on their way to making profits and changing their lives.

Last year the collective submitted a business plan and funding proposal to Global Village Connect for start-up capital for a chicken farm business. The proposal was approved, and the farm officially began on January 18, 2024 with construction of a facility.

Along with their entrepreneurial training, the women received training from the government on poultry farming. The curriculum taught them best practices for poultry farming including chick management, record keeping, disease control, and marketing.