Ms. Jane Nakabuye’s innovative practices

In the rural community of Mbuye village in Kasasa sub-county, Kyotera district, Uganda, a remarkable transformation is taking place, led by Ms. Jane Nakabuye. At sixty years old, Jane is a member of the Atanayigaayige Community Empowerment Group, a collective of 42 members, the majority of whom are women. Through the Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (ICOLEW) programme, Jane has not only enhanced her own life but has also become a beacon of hope for other women in her community.

Jane Nakabuye’s journey to empowerment began in 2023, when she enrolled in the ICOLEW programme introduced by Unbound. Designed to reduce illiteracy among sponsored beneficiaries, ICOLEW provides training in reading, writing, and counting, alongside practical skills aimed at improving livelihoods. For Jane, these skills became tools for survival and success after being left to fend for her family when her husband abandoned them.

Through the programme, Jane learned to make a variety of products, including exercise books, graph books, art books, and Vaseline of different sizes. She established a canteen at Mbuye Farm School, where she sells her products, effectively applying her newfound numeracy skills to track profits. This entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there; Jane also received training in coffee and banana farming. With the support of seedlings and manure, she now aims to cultivate 2,000 coffee seedlings, a step towards sustainable income generation.

Spreading the Knowledge

The impact of Jane’s involvement in the ICOLEW programme extends beyond her immediate household. Realizing the importance of financial independence, she has shared her skills with 40 women across four villages. Jane’s mission is clear: to empower other women to start income-generating projects and break free from financial dependence. “Women need to join the programme to acquire a variety of skills which will help them start up income-generating projects and, in the end, be able to meet their needs. I have seen numerous benefits that these women have realized from these trainings,” Jane says.

Her dedication has not only uplifted her community but also transformed her own life. Jane is now able to provide for her family’s basic needs and fund her children’s education without the struggles she once faced.

Jane’s story shows how Adult Learning and Education (ALE) can transform lives. According to UNESCO, teaching adults the skills to understand their rights and make informed choices is crucial for personal and community development. For women like Jane, who are most affected by not being able to read and write, programs like ICOLEW provide not just knowledge, but also a way to become independent and respected.

Globally, there is a big difference in the number of men and women who can read and write. Out of every 100 adults, only 88 women are considered literate compared to men. There are 750 million adults who can't read or write, and 63% of them are women (UIS, 2017). This shows that it is very important to have programmes specifically for women's education and empowerment, as pointed out by UNESCO (2006).

Strengthening ALE for Greater Impact

Jane Nakabuye’s success shows how ALE programs can make a big difference. She not only improved her own life but also helped others. This demonstrates the positive impact literacy and skills training can have. But there is still work to be done. The Ugandan government and other organizations need to keep backing and growing these initiatives.

According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) 2016 survey, over 6.3 million people in Uganda remain illiterate, with women making up the majority. There is a pressing need to mobilize resources, raise awareness, and establish more community learning centers to increase female enrollment in ALE programmes.

By investing in education and skill-building, we can ensure that more women like Jane Nakabuye have the opportunity to change their lives and the lives of those around them. Her story is a powerful reminder that when women thrive, their communities do too. The ripple effect of empowerment, through education and skills, is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and building a more equitable society.