Transforming lives
through skills,
dignity and hope

My name is Kyaabwe Shakira, a 19-year-old woman whose life has been completely transformed through the support of Ubuntu Harmony Initiative. I grew up in a humble background where education was not easy to sustain. Due to financial challenges and limited support, I dropped out of school in Primary Four. At that time, I felt like my dreams had ended before they had even begun. For years, I lived without a clear direction, doing small, unstable jobs just to survive. Everything changed when I got the opportunity to join the Ubuntu Harmony Initiative Skilling Centre. I enrolled in the hairdressing program, not knowing that it would become the turning point of my life. Through the training, I gained practical skills in hairdressing, but more importantly, I regained my confidence, self-worth, and purpose. Today, I am proud to say that I am an Assistant Trainer of Hairdressing learners at the same centre that once trained me. Standing in front of learners and guiding them gives me so much joy because I see myself in them, young people who just need a chance.

Akankwatsa Ameria, a 23-year-old young woman, reflects on her journey with deep gratitude and pride, a journey that was shaped and transformed by Ubuntu Harmony Initiative. Growing up, Ameria had dreams like any other young girl, but limited opportunities made it difficult for her to see a clear path forward. After completing her basic education, she found herself uncertain about her future, lacking both direction and practical skills. Her life began to change the day she joined the Ubuntu Harmony Initiative Skilling Centre as a trainee in Hairdressing. At first, she was shy and unsure of herself, but she carried a strong desire to learn and transform her life. Through consistent training, mentorship, and encouragement, Ameria slowly discovered her potential. Her dedication and discipline did not go unnoticed. Within a short time, she was promoted from trainee to the main trainer of Hairdressing learners at the Skilling Centre. Today, Ameria is not just skilled. She is a leader, a mentor, and an inspiration to many young girls who walk through the same doors she once did.

I am Nabuuma Allen, a 22-year-old girl and a born of Bukolooto, Kayunga district. I am one of the 8 graduates from the UHI Skilling Centre Hairdressing course. I joined the course after failing to collect funds to continue with my studies. In the course process, I also learnt how to make shampoo and liquid soap, and I learnt soft life skills which have helped me to transform my life. I am so happy that I am currently a staff member at UHI, handling the Focus and Concentration programme and helping in the Hairdressing course too. The allowances given to me are used to buy my basic needs, sustain my life, and build savings which I want to use to start my own business. I have already managed to bring 2 girls, Aliya Aisha and Ndagire Zam, to benefit from UHI programmes just as I did.