Meet Abalo, a determined and enterprising young woman born in 1998, and a proud mother of one. She is a shining example of the positive impact of the Young Africa Works project, specifically Markets for Youth, and a valued member of the Cam tic Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) youth group. The group is situated in Agora village, Lunganyura parish, Orom Sub County, within Kitgum district.

Thanks to the Young Africa Works initiative, Cam tic VSLA youth group received comprehensive training in VSLA methodology, financial literacy, and essential business skills. Moreover, they benefited greatly from engaging community conversations facilitated by a dedicated Youth Champion. Abalo recognizes the significance of these community conversations, as they provide a platform for young people to voice their concerns and collectively address them. Inspired by the trainings and discussions led by the Youth Champion, Abalo found her voice and encouraged her husband to participate in the Community Conversation phases as well, fostering open communication and shared decision-making within their household.

In January 2022, Abalo took the first step towards building her own path to success. With a small initial investment of UGX 20,000, she started a modest business selling cooking oil. As her dedication and commitment bore fruit, her business grew steadily. Together with her husband, they decided to borrow UGX 30,000 from the Cam tic VSLA youth group to further enhance their business ventures. Today, Abalo’s business offers a diverse range of products, including onions, eggplants, silver fish, millet flour, and green vegetables.

Reflecting on her life before joining Young Africa Works in Uganda, Abalo refers to it as a mystery, with no clear direction for business and no involvement in a VSLA group. However, thanks to the empowerment and skills she gained from the Markets for Youth program, her life has been transformed for the better.

In her role as a successful businesswoman, Abalo consistently earns a commendable profit of UGX 15,000 and diligently saves between UGX 3,000 to 5,000 weekly. She wisely utilizes the remaining balance to support her husband in providing for essential household necessities like soap, showcasing the strength of their partnership and shared commitment to their family’s well-being.

Abalo deeply appreciates the Mastercard Foundation, GOAL Uganda, and MUCOBADI for selecting her sub-county as a beneficiary of the Young Africa Works: Markets for Youth program. Their support and investment in young people like Abalo have been instrumental in driving positive change and creating a pathway to prosperity for her and her community.

As her success story continues to inspire others, Abalo looks ahead with optimism and gratitude for the opportunities that Young Africa Works has brought into her life. With a vision for a brighter future, she acknowledges that her journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support and belief of the organizations behind this life-changing initiative. Through Young Africa Works, Abalo’s success is a testament to the immense potential and transformative impact that investing in the youth can have on individuals, families, and communities at large.