For many young people in Kalungu District, life has been full of challenges — from long distances to school, to social isolation, disability, and even abuse. But through soft skills training, new hope is being created for out-of-school adolescents like Kate, Jamidah, and Charity.

A Story of Resilience

Kate Babirye, now 20, and her twin sister Jamidah, 13, were both born with physical and learning disabilities. Because the nearest school is about seven kilometres away from their home in Lwabenge Sub-county, they could not attend school regularly. With time, they became isolated and lonely.

Their mother, Zulaika Nabukenya, says, “Without friends to play with, they always felt left out. They only had each other.”

Isolation pushed Kate into bad company, and at 16, she became pregnant. The man responsible ran away, but with her mother’s support, Kate delivered a baby boy and is now trying to rebuild her life.

Charity’s Struggle and Courage

In a nearby village, 17-year-old Charity (not her real name), who has a hearing impairment, faced a tragic experience. While working on a neighbour’s coffee plantation, she was defiled by the village defence officer. Because she could not call for help and her mother does not understand sign language, the abuse went unnoticed until she became pregnant.

When the truth came out, the village parasocial worker reported the case to Brian Kasumba, the District Probation and Social Welfare Officer. With help from a sign language interpreter, Charity explained what had happened. The suspect was arrested and taken to court.

Charity and her baby are now receiving continued support — including legal aid, healthcare, and counselling — through the CLEAR Supply Chains Project.

The CLEAR Supply Chains Project

This project, supported by UNICEF, the European Union, ILO, FAO, and the International Trade Centre (ITC), works to prevent child labour and protect vulnerable children. It strengthens community-based child protection systems and equips social workers to respond to cases of abuse and exploitation.

The project also focuses on life skills training to help adolescents gain confidence, make informed choices, and develop productive futures.

Building Life Skills for a Better Future

Under the guidance of Derrick Onzi from the Private Education Development Network (PEDN), out-of-school adolescents between 10–19 years are organized into clubs and community groups. They learn soft skills such as:

  • Self-esteem and confidence
  • Communication and teamwork
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Coping with stress and managing emotions
  • Creativity, leadership, and goal setting

Over 40 teachers and 25 community facilitators from Kyamulibwa and Lwabenge sub-counties have been trained to guide these adolescents using the Life Skills Toolkit. So far, 40 young people have completed the training and are already showing new confidence and direction.

Dreams for Tomorrow

After the training, Kate, Jamidah, and Charity now dream of continuing their education through vocational training. Kate hopes to become a hairdresser, while Jamidah wants to focus on knitting and crochet. The district community services department has recommended them for further support under the project.

Charity and her family have been relocated for their safety and continue to receive psychosocial and financial support.

A Path Forward

Through life skills and psychosocial support, these young people are regaining confidence and hope. Projects like CLEAR, supported by UNICEF and partners, are proving that with the right support, every adolescent — no matter their background or challenges — can find a path to a better future.

At Caring Haven Uganda, we share this commitment to empower vulnerable youth with the skills and opportunities they need to live with dignity and hope.