In the village of Mujanjabula is the Balitwagala CEG, which includes 30 adult learners, 24 women, and 6 men who enrolled under ICOLEW (Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation), a program supported by Unbound Kampala. The learners spent two years acquiring essential skills in reading, writing, counting, and various income-generating skills. Through group-based learning facilitated by ICOLEW, they were also introduced to community service, savings and loans, and project monitoring. Many community members once believed that only the government or large organizations had the power to create meaningful change. That belief was challenged and ultimately transformed when group members stepped forward to improve their community using skills gained from the ICOLEW Program.

Through the group's learning sessions, members gained confidence, improved their ability to identify challenges in their community, and most importantly, realized they could lead solutions themselves.

During one of their group meetings, members identified Mugamba Road as a major concern, noting that although the community heavily uses it, its poor condition has greatly affected transportation. Overgrown bushes and tall grass had narrowed the road, blocked water drainage during rains, and created breeding grounds for dangerous reptiles, posing a danger to children walking to school.

The members held consultative meetings with the local leaders of Mugamba and Mujanjabula villages. The key outcome of these meetings was the development of a work plan for the proposed initiative, which focused on community service. However, no further action followed.

Having gained knowledge about community service and the benefits of environmental conservation, the member, through their chairperson, Ms Josephine, took the lead in organizing the community service activity. Twelve CEG members took the initiative to launch the clean-up themselves, which action quickly captured the community's attention. By the second day, the LC1 Chairperson of Mujanjabula mobilized over 30 additional residents, and together they cleared the road within just two days.

What started as a small effort of twelve learners triggered the community participation.(Josephine, group chairperson)

The community service activity shifted attitudes by portraying that service and responsibility are not the sole responsibility of the local government. The community realized that everyone shares the benefits of a safe environment. As a result, community members have taken on community service as a routine activity. They learned that they are capable of identifying community problems, mobilizing resources, and executing solutions rather than waiting for external intervention.

Our people have realized they don’t need to wait for leaders. When they take action, the community as a whole gain. (Mujanjabula Local Council cChairman)

In addition to the road project, environmental conservation is another impactful initiative that Balitwagala CEG adopted. Each member committed to plant at least one fruit tree, contributing to afforestation and improving household nutrition and income potential. This tree planting initiative began in September 2024 and continues to be monitored by the group. As of now, 95 members have implemented, and 360 trees have been planted so far.

The effectiveness of community-based learning is demonstrated by Balitwagala CEG's success. Through literacy, practical skills, and empowerment, ICOLEW empowers learners to better their families, form community relationships, and advocate for local development. Their resilience yielded a safer road, a greener neighborhood, and a revitalized hope that ordinary people can create amazing change.

In Mujanjabula, ICOLEW learners emerged as agents of positive change, including leaders, problem solvers, and role models for future generations.