Strengthening Livelihoods to Sustain Very Young Adolescents´ Education in Uganda

I can now provide for my children’s needs with ease, thanks to Save the Children for introducing the savings group in our community” Akello Jackline

In the remote village of Minja, located in Gem Parish, Lalogi Sub-County, Omoro District of Uganda, vulnerable families are becoming more resilient thanks to the economic empowerment initiatives under the POWER 4 AY Project.

One such story is that of 12-year-old Julian, a bright and determined pupil in Primary One at Minja Primary School. Her journey to education was not easy.

“I delayed going to school because my parents did not have money to take me to school,” she said. “Since last year, my parents have been able to support me with school fees, examination fees—they even bought me shoes, a uniform, and books. My dream is to become a teacher, and I am reading my books very hard to achieve that dream.”

At home, Julian supports her parents by fetching water and helping with cooking. “My parents now provide me with food, clothes, and they take me to the hospital when I am sick,” she added proudly, speaking in her local language.

Behind Julian’s renewed hope stands her mother, Akello Jackline, a mother of six and a member of a local Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) group called Waryemocan, which means “Let us fight against poverty.” Before joining the group, Akello and her husband relied on small backyard farming, which was insufficient to meet their household needs.

In July 2023, Save the Children identified Julian as a vulnerable child eligible for support and extended economic assistance to her parents through the POWER 4 AY Project. This included enrolling Akello in the VSLA and providing her with training in income-generating activities.

“When Save the Children invited us to join a savings group, I saw it as an opportunity to learn how to save and support my family,” said Akello. “My children were being chased from school because we couldn’t afford fees. Joining the group gave me access to funds I could use for both business and family needs.”

Save the Children’s dual approach—providing immediate educational support for very young adolescents while fostering sustainable livelihoods for their families—has significantly improved Akello’s financial situation.

“In 2024, I borrowed UGX 100,000 from the savings group and expanded my sunflower and soya plantations. I earned UGX 400,000 in profit from the soya and UGX 300,000 from the sunflower. With that money, I’ve been able to pay my children’s school fees and buy everything they need. I’ve also saved UGX 250,000 in the group.”

Akello’s success doesn’t stop there. Together with her husband, she continues to engage in farming and has reinvested her profits to buy four goats and two pigs. 

Supporting the group’s growth is Vicky, a Community-Based Trainer who was instrumental in establishing the Waryemocan VSLA. She shared her experience:

“When Save the Children formed the group, I was appointed to help guide them on how a VSLA should function. I trained them on financial literacy, the VSLA model, business selection, income-generating activities, and environmentally sustainable practices.”

Under her mentorship, the group developed a constitution and a business plan, and now actively monitors their financial records and business progress.

“The group owns a produce store in Minja trading centre, where they collect and sell their produce to larger buyers. They’ve also established an education fund where each member saves for their children’s school fees, and a welfare fund for emergencies like illness. Some community members have even approached us to learn how they can replicate this success.”

Vicky emphasized the impact these initiatives have had:

“The families in this group once faced numerous challenges, but through the VSLA, many have greatly improved their household wellbeing.”

From children like Julian returning to school with hope and ambition, to parents like Akello gaining financial independence, the POWER 4 AY project is a lifeline that’s changing the future for many in Northern Uganda.