A New Chapter: How Rose Found Hope and Financial Independence

A New Chapter: How Rose Found Hope and Financial Independence

Rose Poni sits by her market stall. Through the Kulea Watoto Project, Poni‘s life has been transformed and she is able to provide for her basic needs and those of her young daughter.  ©IRC/Jonathan Ssekitondo 

Rose Poni, a 45-year-old South Sudanese refugee, arrived at the Bidi Bidi settlement in Yumbe District in 2020, fleeing the turmoil of her homeland. Like many refugees, she faced an uncertain future, but her story is one of resilience and determination, made possible through the support of the Kulea Watoto Project.

Rose struggled to make ends meet. Supporting her child who was 02 years at the time was a big challenge. They survived on rations of essentials served out by government through the Office of the Prime Minister and from development partners. She had lost everything as she fled, and could not fit footing in a foreign land.

Rose’s life, however, changed when in 2023 she was enrolled under the Kulea Watoto Project, where she participated in training designed to enhance her business management skills. A former shopkeeper in South Sudan, Rose was eager to learn how to navigate the business landscape in her new home, Uganda. The training also emphasized nurturing and parenting, a dual focus that deeply resonated with her.

“Running away from war takes so much away from mothers,” Rose reflects. “We often flee, leaving behind our businesses, gardens and, in some cases, our children. It’s heartbreaking to see our children suffer. But I am grateful for the training on childcare. I’ve become a better mother, prioritizing my child’s mental health, diet and well-being above all else.”

Upon completing her training, Rose received a cash grant of 800,000 UGX (approximately $220 USD) to kickstart her business. Rather than merely addressing immediate needs, she wisely invested in her future. With this vital resource, she opened a stall selling essential household items like sugar, soap, and salt—laying the groundwork for her financial independence.

“This support has been very important in supporting me to provide for my family, pay school fees for my little girl at our local learning center, and meet our basic necessities,” she shares. “Thanks to the training on how to manage my income, I’m now more competent at managing my business. I can track sales effectively and save from each item sold, which helps me understand what products are in demand.”
 

Rose Poni measures up a cup-full of mukene (silver fish) to sell to a customer. From the trainings attained, Rose is able to save up enough money to ensure that her business is sustainable.  ©IRC/Jonathan Ssekitondo 

But Rose’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. With the remaining funds from her grant, she purchased a sewing machine. Although she didn’t know how to operate it, she hired a young woman, Harriet, to run this venture alongside her stall, diversifying her income streams. Recognizing the power of collaboration, Rose joined a village loans and savings group formed by fellow project participants, granting her access to additional capital through loans. This support hsa allowed her to increase her stock and expand her shop’s earnings.
 

Thanks to the Kulea Watoto Project, Harriet has also been given chance to employment after being employed by Rose to work at her sewing machine in Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement.  ©IRC/Jonathan Ssekitondo 

“I can’t thank Kulea Watoto enough for changing my life and that of my family,” she says, her face lighting up with a broad smile. “People admire my journey, and I know they, too, can achieve more because I was once in their shoes.”

Rose’s story is a testament to the profound impact of the Kulea Watoto Project in Yumbe, a refugee-hosting district. With training and a little support, Rose has transformed her life. She now enjoys peace of mind, knowing her family has a reliable source of income and improved nutrition. Her standard of living has significantly improved compared to the hardships she faced upon her arrival in Uganda.

Rose’s journey serves as an inspiration to other refugees, highlighting the power of hard work, resourcefulness, and the positive effects of well-designed development interventions supported by the Government of Uganda and its partners.