At least 100 orphans, widows, and teenage mothers in Arua and surrounding areas are set to acquire tailoring and garment-cutting skills through a free skilling programme run by the Mungufeni Foundation.
The initiative, now in its third cohort this year, targets vulnerable individuals, including school dropouts and teen parents aged 17 and above, offering them a pathway to self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking at the launch, Mungufeni Feni, founder and CEO of the foundation, described the training as a cornerstone for both personal empowerment and community transformation.
“Skills are a key driver of personal growth and sustainable development. Through initiatives like this, we aim to create opportunities for orphans, teenage mothers, and widows to achieve self-reliance and build dignified lives,” Feni said.
Each year, the foundation conducts similar sessions in Arua, equipping participants with practical tailoring and garment-cutting expertise. The goal, according to Feni, is not only to help them earn a living but also to nurture change-makers within their communities.
For many beneficiaries, a sewing machine becomes more than just a tool, it symbolizes independence, confidence, and renewed purpose. The training empowers them to either start small tailoring businesses or seek employment in Uganda’s expanding textile industry, paving the way for financial stability and long-term resilience.
“When you give someone a skill, you give them the power to sustain themselves and uplift others,” Feni added.