Jane Francis Nakajubi, 54, from Bwende village in Kasasa sub-county, Kyotera district, had dreamed of becoming a catechist since she was 50, but lacked the confidence to pursue the role. She had dropped out of school after primary six due to a lack of parental support and, as a result, struggled with basic reading and writing skills, making it difficult for her to lead an independent life.

Jane recalls that she always had a deep passion for serving God. Her fellow community members encouraged her to take on the role of catechist, recognizing her potential, especially at a time when their sub-parish was suffering from weak and unstable leadership. However, Jane’s low self-esteem, fear of public speaking, and persistent self-doubt held her back. Jane also struggled with reading. This inability held her back from fully engaging in her role and sharing her knowledge effectively.

During a particularly important session, Jane was asked to read a passage from the Gospel.

“My heart raced as I stumbled over the words, and the people’s eyes widened with confusion. I felt discouraged and doubted my ability to inspire the people’s minds in my community who I cared for so deeply.” Says Jane.

In 2023, Unbound provided sponsored illiterate families in Jane’s village with the opportunity to become semi-literate or fully literate through the Integrated Community Learning for Wealth Creation (ICOLEW) program. Jane eagerly enrolled and consistently attended classes, where ICOLEW facilitators guided her through sessions that gradually built her skills and boosted her confidence. What Jane didn’t realize at the time was that the knowledge and empowerment she gained through the program would eventually lead her to pursue her calling as a catechist. Through ICOLEW, her attitude, self-belief, and capacity to take on leadership roles greatly improved.

Jane chose to become a catechist as a way of fulfilling her lifelong dream—to serve God. Since then, she has dedicated her service to two sub-parishes, fully embracing the opportunity to visit and experience different holy sites across the country—an aspiration she never imagined would come true. In her role, Jane also leads church services in the absence of a priest and takes great pride in guiding meditations during mass. With her improved reading skills, Jane approaches scripture with confidence. She now reads aloud during her lessons without fear, allowing her to convey the messages with clarity and passion. This newfound ability enables her to connect with the people on a deeper level.

“I am especially grateful to Unbound for the ICOLEW program, which has truly transformed my life. Through this program, I have strengthened my leadership abilities and gained the confidence to inspire and guide others. It has also enhanced my reading and writing skills, significantly expanding my potential and opening up new opportunities I never imagined possible.” Says Jane

The ICOLEW program in Uganda significantly contributes to leadership development by enhancing literacy, numeracy, and livelihood skills. These improvements lead to greater community engagement and active participation in local development initiatives. By equipping individuals with essential knowledge and practical skills, ICOLEW strengthens leadership capacity at the grassroots level and cultivates a more informed, confident, and empowered citizenry.