I was almost forced to marriage after failing to reach my dream of becoming a nurse

Peace (not real name) aged 21 years comes from Lyantonde Sub-County, Lyantonde district. She says “My mother raised us (me and 3 siblings) as a single parent after the death of our father through casual work  – digging in  people’s gardens in exchange for food & money.  

After the break out of COVID19, she could not afford paying my fees despite the fact that I wanted to join a nursing school. Luckily enough, SSF identified and enrolled me into the DREAMS project where I acquired vocational skills in tailoring and knitting, and received start-up after graduating. In 2023, I was employed as an artisan and started saving some money, which helped me start my own business.

Currently I am able to sustain myself without engaging into risky behaviors, enrolled 5 fellow young women for vocational skilling and at 21 years own a business worth UGX. 5 million. I wanted to become a nurse but my dream has now changed to owning one of the leading bridal-shop in Lyantonde. I am proud and grateful for Salama SHIELD Foundation (SSF) for the opportunity accorded to me .”