Parenting support plus practical financial coaching helped a single mother turn a modest grant into a sustainable livelihood and a stronger home.

When Brenda, a single mother of three in Bulenga B Village (Ssumbwe Parish), first joined a local parenting group, life felt like a daily uphill climb. Since separating from her children’s father, she had been managing everything alone bills, school fees, rent while carrying the emotional weight of uncertainty.

A para social worker in her community noticed the strain and invited her to attend group parenting sessions. That simple invitation marked a turning point.

“I learnt to be more patient with my children. Now, they are more confident to share their concerns with me, and we have a stronger bond. I even involve them in decisions, like what meals to have—something I never did before,” Brenda shares.

The sessions rebuilt her confidence and deepened trust at home. With her renewed energy, Brenda began to imagine a different future.

Turning an Idea into Action

In a one-to-one conversation, Brenda opened up about her finances. Together, she and the para social worker mapped a realistic plan: use available space at Brenda’s ancestral home to start a small poultry enterprise. With her family’s blessing and a small loan from a local savings group, a feasible pathway emerged.

Through the Household Economic Strengthening (HES) Programme and Child Optimized Financial Education (COFE), Brenda learnt the basics of costing, record-keeping, and reinvestment. A cash grant of UGX 800,000 gave her the boost to get started.

Brenda used the grant to buy chicken feed in bulk—improving bird health and egg production. Egg sales soon became a steady income stream that helped cover food, rent, and school fees. Following advice from the training to diversify income, she also took on laundry and occasional garden work. That extra income meant her children’s schooling continued without interruption.

As the months passed, the business grew. Brenda sold her initial flock of 50 birds and reinvested in 100 layer chickens. By August 2025, the new flock is set to begin laying, promising even greater stability ahead.

Today, Brenda’s children attend school regularly. Home feels calmer, happier, and safer. Even her grandparents are involved, helping to tend the chickens when she is away, making the enterprise a true family effort.

“The training motivated me to work hard and find more than one source of income. Now, I can care for my children and meet their needs.”