  On March 22, a remarkable and deeply moving moment unfolded in Mukono as 20 children with disabilities and their families received goats from Global Village Connect. The atmosphere that morning was filled with anticipation, gratitude, and hope. Families arrived early, eager to receive the animals that could begin to shift their circumstances in meaningful ways. As each goat was handed over, joy spread quickly. Children reached out to gently stroke the animals, laughing as they explored this new and unfamiliar companion. Nearby, parents stood quietly—many visibly emotional—as they considered what this opportunity could mean for their child’s future. “For a long time, we have struggled to support our child’s needs,” one mother shared, holding her child close. “This goat is a blessing to our family. When it gives birth, we will be able to sell some of the kids to buy medicine and save toward purchasing a wheelchair.” Another parent, Mr. Matovu, spoke to the steady, practical hope the goats represent. “Even when small problems come—like sickness or the need for clothes—we often have nothing to sell. Now we have something that can help us slowly build a better life for Rahuman.”  A local vetrinarian teaches participating families how to care for their new goats. 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.  Each household has committed to a “pay it forward” model: when their goat gives birth, they will pass on the first kid to another child with a disability still waiting for support. “Our child has received help today, and we are grateful,” one mother said. “When our goat produces, we will give the first kid to another child who is still waiting. In this way, more families will be blessed.” At present, more than 18 additional children are still in need. Through this model, the project will continue to grow—expanding opportunity organically, family by family. For these households, the goats represent far more than livestock. They are a pathway to dignity, stability, and possibility. It is a small beginning—but one with the power to create lasting change. And as the goats multiply, so too will the hope. 
Everything began to change when I attended a business training with Global Village Connect. During the training, I learned practical ways to raise capital and manage the business' finances. But just as importantly, I began to believe in myself again. I left the training with renewed energy and hope that my story could change. I decided to take farming seriously, using the small piece of land I had to grow crops. After my first harvest, I sold the produce and raised 10,000 shillings (about $2.80). With that money, I was able to reopen my retail shop. Today, my shop is doing well. I earn about $2.80 US in profit each day, and I save $1.40 daily. These savings have become a lifeline for my family. They help us face emergencies without fear. I can now pay school fees for my children, provide enough food for our home, and cover medical expenses when they arise. Looking ahead, my dream is to expand my shop into a mini supermarket that can serve even more people in my community. I know the journey will take time, but I am confident the future is bright for my family. I am deeply thankful to Global Village Connect for opening my eyes and giving me the courage to start again.
 Thanks to your generosity, we were able to respond at a critical time. We distributed posho and beans to 92 families, reaching 512 household members. This immediate support ensured children could eat, eased the burden on parents, and provided stability during the most difficult weeks of the hunger season. Kadama Esther, a mother of seven, shared that after her harvest failed, her family had been surviving on one small meal a day. When she received her food package, she said it felt like “a heavy load had been lifted.” For the first time in weeks, her children ate until they were full. Because of you, families like Esther’s are moving through this season with dignity and hope. Thank you for standing with Namutumba when it mattered most.
In my village, when a girl leaves school, people assume she will get married. That expectation weighed heavily on me—but deep down, I knew that wasn’t the life I wanted. I wanted more. Everything changed when I was given the opportunity to attend a business training with Global Village Connect. During the training, I learned something that shifted my thinking completely: I didn’t need a lot of money to begin. I could start small and grow step by step. That simple idea gave me courage—and hope. After completing the training, I decided to raise some starting capital through casual labor. I worked for five days digging in someone’s garden and earned 10,000 shillings (about $2.80). It wasn’t much, but it was mine. It was my first step toward independence. With that money, I began selling vegetables in my village. Slowly, my business started to grow. Today, I earn a daily profit of 3,000 shillings (around 80 cents), and I save 1,000 shillings (20 cents) every single day without fail. Those savings make me proud, because they represent a future I am building for myself. I can now support my parents by buying small household items like sugar, soap, and food. Being able to contribute has changed how I see myself. I have learned how to manage my money wisely, and I believe my business will continue to grow. Today, I am happier, more confident, and full of hope. I am deeply grateful to Global Village Connect for opening my eyes and helping me see that—even when life is difficult—I can create my own path.
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. Because of you, we raised more than $67,000!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.
While profits are not yet being shared, the group anticipates beginning distributions by the end of October. That milestone will mean more than income—it will enable mothers to meet essential family needs such as school supplies, nutritious food, and medical care. The Namutumba salon is more than a business. It is a story of resilience, teamwork, and women taking charge of their economic future. With every braid, wash, and style, these women are not only building livelihoods but also inspiring their community with the power of collective action.
  My name is Gonza Dorothy, and I am a proud entrepreneur today—but this journey began with a simple opportunity. I was fortunate to attend a business training organized by Global Village Connect, and it completely changed the way I saw my environment and my own potential. I had always wanted to start a business, but I lacked the knowledge and confidence. During the training, I learned how to identify local needs, calculate profits, manage finances, and market products. That’s when I noticed something I had overlooked: schools, restaurants, and households in my community all struggled to find firewood. With just $10, I took a bold step and started supplying firewood. At first, I sold only to schools and restaurants, but soon individuals began buying for cooking and heating water. Word spread, and the demand grew. Today, I earn about $1.60 a day. It may seem small, but to me it means everything. I can put food on the table, meet basic needs, and support my children and grandchildren. I no longer depend on others—I have regained a sense of dignity and independence. My grandchildren look up to me, and I feel proud knowing I’m building a legacy for them. The journey isn’t always easy—sometimes supply is low or weather makes transport difficult—but I now have the skills to manage challenges. What keeps me going is the knowledge and inspiration I gained from Global Village Connect. Thank you, Global Village Connect, for opening my eyes and giving me the confidence to begin. My life has truly been elevated. |
AuthorBecause of donors like you, Global Village Connect changes lives every day. Here are a few lives you've changed. Archives
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