In Lwanda Subcounty, Rakai District, a small group of eight determined learners, that is, five men and three women from the Afaayo Community Empowerment Group (CEG), have turned their newly acquired skills into a thriving beekeeping enterprise with support from Unbound Kampala through the Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (ICOLEW) program.

When ICOLEW was introduced in January 2025, it brought with it more than just literacy and numeracy lessons; it brought hope and practical skills. During a situation analysis, the learners identified low household income as their greatest challenge. Guided by their facilitator, the learners brainstormed potential income-generating ventures, analyzing costs, benefits, and sustainability. The group agreed that beekeeping is a low-capital venture with a ready market and offered the best opportunity for collective growth.

Each learner invested UGX 10,000 in five locally made hives. Together, they learned how to care for their bees, providing nearby water sources, planting nectar-rich flowers, and ensuring safety for both the bees and their community. With additional mentorship from an experienced beekeeper, they mastered best practices in hive management, feeding, and honey harvesting. Two members who had previously abandoned beekeeping due to feeding challenges found renewed confidence and support through the group’s teamwork. The expert knowledge they gained, especially on proper feeding and protecting the community from bee attacks, motivated them to restart their beekeeping journey with renewed confidence.

We had tried beekeeping before but gave up because of feeding challenges. Working as a group gave us the strength and support to start again.
(Vicent, group member)

By August 2025, just four months after setting up their 40 hives, 25 were fully occupied by bees. During the first harvest, each hive produced between 2 and 8 litres of honey, resulting in a total collection of 82 litres. The honey was sold at UGX 25,000 per litre, earning the group a total income of UGX 2,050,000. In order to boost output, the members intend to use this money to purchase new equipment like smokers and upgraded hives.

We've been motivated to think bigger by this income. As treasurer, I observe that our members are eager to reinvest in smokers and better hives in order to expand our honey business and maintain our advancements.
(Cissy, group treasurer)

For the Afaayo group, beekeeping is more than a business; it’s a symbol of empowerment. Through ICOLEW, they not only learned to read, write, and count but also to create opportunities that improve their families’ livelihoods. They stand as a model of how learning and collaboration can transform lives.

Godfrey, the chairperson of the group, shared:

We started small, but with the knowledge and support from ICOLEW, we are building a future where our hard work truly pays off.

What started as a small initiative for the Afaayo group has grown into a successful business that supports the members’ livelihoods and encourages others in the community to embrace learning and innovation. With ongoing support from Unbound Kampala through the Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (ICOLEW) program, these learners show that when people unite with a common goal and skills, lasting change can happen.