Transformative Programs for Sustainable Livelihoods

Our comprehensive programs equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to achieve economic independence and community resilience.

Entrepreneurship Training

Entrepreneurship & Business Development

Program Overview

Our flagship entrepreneurship program equips participants with essential business skills, financial literacy, and strategic planning capabilities to establish and grow sustainable enterprises. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application through hands-on workshops and mentorship.

Key Benefits

  • Comprehensive business plan development
  • Financial management and record-keeping
  • Marketing and customer acquisition strategies
  • Access to seed capital and microloans
  • Ongoing mentorship and business coaching

Eligibility Criteria

  • Women and youth aged 18-35
  • Basic literacy and numeracy skills
  • Resident of target communities
  • Commitment to community development
  • Ability to attend all training sessions

Program Schedule & Duration

Core Training Phase

  • Duration: 12 weeks
  • Schedule: 2 days per week, 4 hours per day
  • Location: Community centers in Kampala, Jinja, and Mbale

Mentorship Phase

  • Duration: 6 months
  • Schedule: Bi-weekly mentorship sessions
  • Format: One-on-one and group mentorship

Next Intake: July 15, 2025 | Application Deadline: June 30, 2025

Success Metrics

85%

Business survival rate after one year

3.2x

Average income increase

70%

Participants who hire additional employees

92%

Loan repayment rate

Application Process

1

Submit Application

Complete the online application form or visit our office to fill out a paper application.

2

Screening Interview

Selected applicants will be invited for an interview to assess their commitment and business ideas.

3

Orientation Session

Successful applicants attend an orientation session to understand program expectations.

4

Program Commencement

Begin the 12-week core training phase followed by the mentorship period.

Testimonial

"The entrepreneurship program transformed my life completely. I started with a small tailoring idea and now run a workshop with five employees. The business planning and financial management skills were exactly what I needed, and the seed capital helped me purchase my first industrial sewing machine. My family's income has more than tripled."

Namakula Florence

Namakula Florence

Tailoring Business Owner, Kampala

Frequently Asked Questions

No, our entrepreneurship training program is offered free of charge to eligible participants. We are funded by donors and partners who believe in economic empowerment for underserved communities.

Seed capital is provided as a combination of grants and low-interest loans. Participants must complete the training program and present a viable business plan to be eligible. The amount ranges from $100 to $500 depending on the business needs and plan quality.

Yes, we welcome both aspiring entrepreneurs and those with existing small businesses who want to improve their operations and growth potential. We have specific modules designed for business expansion and optimization.

Common businesses include tailoring, catering, retail shops, agricultural processing, beauty services, crafts production, and technology services. We encourage businesses that leverage local resources and address community needs.

Vocational Training

Vocational Skills Training

Program Overview

Our vocational training program provides hands-on skills development in high-demand trades, enabling participants to secure employment or start their own service-based businesses. Each vocational track combines technical skills with business fundamentals and work readiness training.

Available Vocational Tracks

  • Tailoring & Garment Production
  • Catering & Food Processing
  • Beauty & Hairdressing
  • Construction & Carpentry
  • Automotive Repair

Eligibility Criteria

  • Youth and adults aged 16-40
  • Basic literacy and numeracy
  • Resident of target communities
  • Ability to commit to full training period
  • Priority given to vulnerable groups

Program Schedule & Duration

Training Phase

  • Duration: 16 weeks
  • Schedule: 5 days per week, 6 hours per day
  • Location: Vocational training centers in Kampala, Jinja, and Mbale

Apprenticeship Phase

  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Schedule: Full-time placement with local businesses
  • Format: Hands-on practical experience

Next Intake: August 1, 2025 | Application Deadline: July 15, 2025

Success Metrics

78%

Employment rate within 3 months

42%

Start their own business

2.8x

Average income increase

95%

Program completion rate

Testimonial

"I had dropped out of school and had no clear direction until I joined the catering program. The hands-on training was exactly what I needed. After completing the program, I started a small food stall at the local market, and within a year, I expanded to catering for events. Now I employ three other young women from my community."

Auma Rebecca

Auma Rebecca

Catering Business Owner, Jinja

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all necessary tools, equipment, and materials are provided during the training period. Upon successful completion, graduates receive a starter toolkit relevant to their vocational track to help them begin their career.

Yes, graduates receive a nationally recognized vocational certificate that is endorsed by the Ministry of Education and Sports. This certification enhances employability and credibility when starting a business.

We partner with over 50 local businesses across various sectors who provide apprenticeship opportunities. Placements are matched based on trainee performance, interests, and geographic location to ensure the best fit.

Permaculture Training

Permaculture & Sustainable Agriculture

Program Overview

Our permaculture program teaches sustainable farming techniques that work with natural ecosystems to maximize productivity while preserving environmental health. Participants learn to design and implement regenerative agricultural systems that provide food security and income generation opportunities.

Key Components

  • Permaculture design principles
  • Organic farming techniques
  • Water management and conservation
  • Soil regeneration and composting
  • Climate-resilient crop selection

Eligibility Criteria

  • Adults with interest in agriculture
  • Access to land (individual or community)
  • Resident of target rural communities
  • Commitment to implement learned techniques
  • Willingness to share knowledge with community

Program Schedule & Duration

Training Phase

  • Duration: 10 weeks
  • Schedule: 2 days per week, 5 hours per day
  • Location: Demonstration farms in rural communities

Implementation & Support Phase

  • Duration: 6 months
  • Schedule: Bi-weekly site visits and support
  • Format: On-site technical assistance

Next Intake: September 1, 2025 | Application Deadline: August 15, 2025

Success Metrics

65%

Increase in crop yield

40%

Reduction in water usage

50+

Community gardens established

85%

Improved food security

Testimonial

"Before the permaculture training, our community struggled during dry seasons. Now, with the water harvesting techniques and drought-resistant crops we learned about, we have food year-round. Our community garden feeds 12 families and generates income through market sales. The soil regeneration methods have transformed land we thought was unusable."

Okello James

Okello James

Community Garden Leader, Mbale

Frequently Asked Questions

Permaculture principles can be applied to any size of land, from small backyard gardens to large farms. We teach techniques suitable for various scales, with special focus on maximizing productivity in small spaces (1/4 acre or less) which is common in our target communities.

Yes, we provide training on low-cost irrigation solutions including drip systems, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling. Selected participants may receive starter irrigation kits based on their implementation plans and community needs assessment.

Absolutely! We encourage community-based approaches and have specific modules for establishing and managing community gardens. Many of our most successful projects are on shared land where multiple families collaborate on implementation and maintenance.

Digital Skills Training

Digital Skills & ICT Training

Program Overview

Our digital skills program bridges the technology gap by providing essential computer literacy and specialized digital skills training. Participants learn to leverage technology for business growth, education, and accessing online opportunities in the global digital economy.

Training Tracks

  • Basic Computer Literacy
  • Digital Marketing & Social Media
  • E-commerce & Online Business
  • Digital Freelancing Skills
  • Mobile Applications & Services

Eligibility Criteria

  • Youth aged 16-35
  • Minimum secondary education
  • Resident of target communities
  • Commitment to full program duration
  • Interest in technology-based solutions

Program Schedule & Duration

Core Training Phase

  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Schedule: 3 days per week, 4 hours per day
  • Location: Digital hubs in Kampala, Jinja, and Mbale

Project & Practice Phase

  • Duration: 4 weeks
  • Schedule: Flexible access to digital hub facilities
  • Format: Practical project implementation with mentorship

Next Intake: October 1, 2025 | Application Deadline: September 15, 2025

Success Metrics

65%

Find digital work opportunities

80%

Apply skills to existing businesses

3.5x

Average online visibility increase

45%

Start digital-based businesses

Testimonial

"The digital skills program opened a world of opportunities I never knew existed. I learned how to create social media content and manage online marketing campaigns. Now I work as a freelance digital marketer for three local businesses and also manage social media for an international NGO. The program gave me both technical skills and the confidence to pursue opportunities in the digital space."

Nakato Sarah

Nakato Sarah

Digital Freelancer, Kampala

Frequently Asked Questions

No, we provide all necessary equipment during the training sessions at our digital hubs. However, having access to a smartphone or computer outside of class hours is beneficial for practice. Graduates can also continue to use our hub facilities during designated hours for up to six months after program completion.

Our program accommodates various skill levels. Basic tracks require no prior computer experience, while advanced tracks (like digital marketing and e-commerce) require basic computer literacy. We conduct pre-training assessments to place participants in appropriate tracks.

We have partnerships with local businesses seeking digital services, and we connect them with our graduates. We also provide training on using freelance platforms, creating professional profiles, and bidding for projects. Our digital hub hosts networking events where graduates can connect with potential clients.

Social Inclusion Program

Social & Economic Inclusion

Program Overview

Our social inclusion program focuses on integrating marginalized groups, particularly refugees, gender-based violence survivors, and persons with disabilities, into economic activities and community structures. The program combines psychosocial support with tailored skills development to foster resilience and self-reliance.

Key Components

  • Psychosocial support & counseling
  • Tailored skills training
  • Community integration activities
  • Rights awareness & advocacy
  • Solidarity group formation

Target Participants

  • Refugees and asylum seekers
  • Gender-based violence survivors
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Single-parent households
  • Other marginalized community members

Program Approach & Duration

Support & Integration Phase

  • Duration: 12 weeks
  • Schedule: 2 days per week, 3 hours per day
  • Location: Community centers in target areas

Skills & Livelihoods Phase

  • Duration: 16 weeks
  • Schedule: 3 days per week, 4 hours per day
  • Format: Tailored skills training based on needs assessment

Program Cycle: Continuous enrollment based on needs assessment | Referrals: Accepted from partner organizations

Impact Indicators

85%

Report improved well-being

70%

Establish sustainable livelihoods

90%

Increased community integration

75%

Reduced dependency on aid

Testimonial

"When I arrived as a refugee from South Sudan, I felt isolated and hopeless. The social inclusion program connected me with a supportive community and helped me develop tailoring skills. Through the solidarity group, we started a cooperative workshop where we make school uniforms. I now have income, friends, and a sense of belonging in my new home."

Akello Mary

Akello Mary

Refugee Entrepreneur, Kampala

Frequently Asked Questions

We employ multilingual facilitators and translators who speak common refugee languages (Arabic, Swahili, French, etc.). We also incorporate visual learning methods and peer support to overcome language barriers, and offer basic language training in English or local languages as needed.

We provide trauma-informed care through trained counselors and psychosocial support specialists. Individual counseling, group therapy sessions, and peer support groups are available. We also partner with specialized mental health organizations for cases requiring advanced intervention.

Our facilities are designed to be physically accessible, and we provide reasonable accommodations based on individual needs. This includes sign language interpreters, adaptive equipment, flexible scheduling, and modified training approaches. We conduct accessibility audits regularly to identify and address barriers.

Program Resources

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Skill-up Seed Story

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Impact Reports

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