“I used to have that feeling like panic. What will happen to us? Now I feel happy"

“I used to have that feeling like panic - 'what will happen to us'? Now I can afford to pay rent, feed my family and all three of my children now go to school. I now feel happy. Thank you." Olivia

The past few year has been incredibly difficult for our communities in Uganda. Covid-19 had a devastating impact on children and families in Kampala’s slum communities. Families lost their income overnight, food became unaffordable, and children lost their education for almost two years.

But your support has given hope for a brighter future for so many women and girls.

80 women and girls took part in our ‘Skill for education’ course with Olivia. 10 now own their own businesses, 65 are in employment and 5 were supported to return school and are using their skills to support themselves whilst they complete their studies.

Olivia shares her story and thanks with you

“I married very young. I am one of those girls that didn’t get to finish my schooling. My husband died after our third child was born. This left me without any support. I couldn't pay rent or feed our children. I remember I was so tired all the time from hunger and worrying.”

“When I got the chance to join Awamu’s tailoring classes I knew this was my opportunity to change our life. I was so happy the first time I sat in front of a sewing machine – although I did not know how to use it. I did not even know how to put the thread in the needle.”

“When Covid came in and lockdown happened, the classes stopped – we had to stay home and I thought my chance was over. I felt sick worrying about how we would survive.”

“But then the team communicated that they were able to support with some food for my children. They kept in contact with me, checking we were ok and giving me information and even soap so we could wash our hands.”

“When the training opened again. I took every chance I could to learn and improve. When I graduated, I was able to take a small loan from Awamu to buy a machine. I am proud to say that I now have my own business.”

“I used to have that feeling like panic - ‘what will happen to us'? Now I can afford to pay rent, feed my family and all three of my children now go to school. I now feel happy. Thank you”.

Like to support projects that directly empower women and girls? Want to double your donation at no extra cost to yourself? Find out about Awamu’s new Safe Haven project. A safe ‘girl friendly’ space that will give vulnerable girls life-saving access to healthcare and the skills they need to earn a living and take control of their lives.