Rashida lost her parents when she was eight years old. At the time, she was in grade primary three. Luckily, the headmaster of her school generously helped her financially to finish her time at primary school.

She now lives with her grandmother, who is not able to pay for her to continue to secondary school. Instead, Rashida enrolled in Global Village Connect's cosmetology program. 

The vocational training program in cosmetology is a new program for Global Village Connect. Like most places in the world, women in Uganda who have the means, even in rural Uganda, will spend money on their hair and nails after paying the basics, such as school fees, food and clothing for the family. This means that learning cosmetology can be a lucrative occupation for young women, offering them a chance to become self-sufficient. 

Cosmetology training gives girls a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty and helps prevent early marriage. Global Village Connect's first cohort of ten cosmetology students completed their six-month training program in July 2023.

Rashida was among those who graduated. She is now working as an apprentice at Mama Mutesi Beauty Salon in Buesea, and earning an average of $1.67* a day as she continues to learn on the job.

The training Rashida received from Global Village Connect has not only equipped her with valuable skills, but has instilled in her a sense of purpose, a belief in herself, connection to a community of women, and, most importantly, hope — something she has been sorely missing. 

* For context, the median household income for rural Ugandans is about $54 a month. That's why your US dollar goes so far and can help so many!