Every year, Uganda produces over 700,000 graduates, but only 12.86% secure formal employment. The rest are left to navigate the uncertainty of unemployment, often in an overcrowded and highly competitive job market.
Beatrice, 28, a graduate of Business and Administration, wife, and mother of two, was one of them. Despite her education, she struggled to find stable work. However, with resilience and a desire to create impact, she turned to a skill her mother had once taught her, basket weaving.
“When I was in my Senior Six vacation, my mum taught me how to weave. In my free time, I’d practice and try to get better. I wanted to use this skill to earn money, but I didn’t know where to start.”
It was at Beatrice’s lowest that the winds of change quietly started to shift. Sanyu Centre for Arts and Rights (SARI), a community partner implementing the Empowering Youth Through Data and Community Development (EYDCD) program, led by Children’s Rights and Violence Prevention Fund (CRVPF), co-implemented with gnuGrid CRB and supported by Mastercard Foundation, was looking for young women who were out of work and eager to gain financial, vocational, and life skills. Beatrice joined, and so began a journey that would weave purpose into every thread of her life
“SARI gave me a trainer who helped me improve my basketry. In just a few months, I had improved so much that they offered me a job to train other women.”
Beatrice’s story reflects what often holds young people back, not a lack of talent or drive, but a lack of opportunity. With support and access to skilling, Beatrice not only mastered her craft but also secured regular income through dignified work.
“I realized I could earn my own money as a woman; I didn’t have to depend on my husband. I could wake up and pay my children’s school fees. That gave me confidence.”
But skills alone are not enough. Through the program, Beatrice and her peers received financial literacy training and formed a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), which they named One Voice Savings Group. They now meet every Saturday, each saving at least UGX 1,000. Together, they opened a bank account, formalized leadership, and established a welfare fund, turning their group into a lifeline for women in moments of vulnerability.
What started as a skills program grew into a sisterhood. The women went on to form Kyisa Kya Maria Arts and Crafts Group, where Beatrice continues to train and mentor others. Together, they save, support each other, and create beautifully handcrafted items, now reaching international markets.
“We got a client, All Across Africa, who sends us designs. We weave the baskets and send them back to be exported. The money we earn helps, because when there are no orders, some women can’t afford to send their children to school.”
This partnership has opened doors. Beatrice now earns from international orders, ensures the group produces high-quality, export-standard items, and passes on her knowledge to others. Through these earnings, she contributes to her household, runs a piggery, pays her children’s school fees, and carries a deep sense of pride in what she’s accomplished.
Additionally, Beatrice has become a powerful force in her community. Recognized for her leadership, she was selected by her community members to lead in the Parish Development Model (PDM), a government initiative focused on reducing poverty and driving economic transformation at the parish level. In her area, Beatrice plays a key role in making the PDM known and effective. She trains community members in practical, income-generating skills, helping them build their power, increase their earnings, and move closer to breaking the cycle of poverty.
Sustainability matters deeply to her, too. The group uses papyrus, a fast-growing, eco-friendly material, to reduce environmental harm.
The impact is clear in the voices of the women she works with:
“Being in this group has helped me not depend on a boyfriend. I can make my own money, buy clothes, pads, and do my hair.” – Shamina, 16
“I’ve made friends, learned to speak in front of people, and gained confidence. I didn’t know I needed these skills until I got them. Now I have leadership skills, and I’ve improved financially.” – Juliet
“I was able to save through our group from the baskets we made and start a chicken rearing business. I now have 300 chickens.” – Solome
“Basketry allowed me to work and make money from home which I was happy about. My husband never allowed me to go out and work, but this he was comfortable with” -Shadia
Yet, challenges remain. Sourcing papyrus themselves to reduce costs puts the women at risk, often in unsafe environments. And with just one major client whose orders aren’t always consistent, cash flow becomes unpredictable. Local demand is also limited by affordability in their community.
Still, Beatrice holds on to hope.
“I want to attend exhibitions, market online, and find new clients so we can grow our customer base. Many women are depending on me. I have no choice but to succeed. And I will.”
She may not fully realize it, but Beatrice is a powerful force for good, uplifting women, nurturing a community, and doing it all in a way that sustains both people and planet.