A Ray of hope

Nancy 22 is a resident of Kiwafu parish, Kimenyedde Sub- County, Mukono district is a single mother of 3 children. Having gotten pregnant at the age of 17, she was forcefully married off to a 29-year-old man who was a Boda Boda rider in 2015. Consequently, she dropped out of school. She was immediately met with physical, sexual, and emotional abuse perpetrated by her husband. With the persistent violence, Nancy decided to call it quits on that relationship. She left with the 2 children she had had with the man. Life turned from bad to worse as she struggled to make ends meet to take care of her 2 children.

“It was a very tough period for me. I did all forms of odd jobs, worked long hours with very little pay. I cried every time I looked at my children hungry, yet I was equally helpless”

In 2019, Nancy got married to another man, aged 25.

“The first year was blissful. He respected me and was very supportive. However, trouble ensued when I conceived. He suddenly changed”

The man abused her physically and she miscarried at 4 months. She felt like running away but could not because she did not have any source of income to take care of her children.

In July 2021, through mobilisation by the Subcounty community development officer, Nancy joined Anchoring Communities Uganda’s pioneer hairdressing class. After 5 months of training, she graduated and has since set up a hairdressing salon.

“For years, I regretted having dropped out of school. I felt I had lost it all. The training I received is a ray of hope for me. I was able to get a loan from the VSLA in Kimenyedde and have running this business for about one month. I am glad I took the decision to enroll for the skilling course. I wish this opportunity had presented itself earlier.

From the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) in Kimenyedde she joined, her aim is to save and expand her business so that she can create job opportunities for young girls, especially those who have dropped out of school.

“My pledge is to pass on this skill to young girls. Girls should know that they can make their own money. I got pregnant at 17 years because my parents could not provide me with basic needs. The person I thought was helping me ended up taking advantage of my vulnerability”

Nancy also wishes to enroll into the baking class to help supplement her income.