Supporting caregivers is at the heart of the USAID/ICARE initiative. In Nabuti, Mukono District, caregivers of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) are improving their lives, thanks to the skills and confidence they’ve gained through ICARE’s support. What once seemed like a distant hope—financial independence and stability—has become a reality for many caregivers, who are now empowered to take charge of their futures.

One shining example of this transformation is the Winners Group VSLA (Village Savings and Loan Association). With ICARE’s help, these caregivers have come together to build better livelihoods for themselves and their families, showing that with the right guidance, even the most uncertain beginnings can lead to lasting success.

When Rehma, a Business Incubation Assistant (BIA) from ICARE, first met this group of caregivers, many of them were uncertain about how to manage their finances or start income-generating activities. Despite their deep commitment to caring for Children and Adolescents Living with HIV (C/ALHIV), they lacked the business skills and confidence to improve their financial situation. Their income instability left not only themselves but also their children vulnerable.

But through ICARE’s tailored approach, everything began to change. Rehma worked closely with the caregivers, offering them training in financial literacy and business management. These sessions helped the group understand how to save, invest, and manage their resources more effectively. They were also encouraged to look for local opportunities that could boost their income, which led to real, tangible changes in their lives.

Carol Nakiwala, one of the caregivers in the Winners Group, is a perfect example of how empowering caregivers can change entire families. With the support of ICARE and connections made through the project, Carol and three of her colleagues were introduced to Yalero Company, a business based in Mukono District. They each received ten fish as startup capital, and this small but meaningful support helped them dive into fish sales.

“I’m really thankful to MUCOBADI-ICARE, Rehma, and Nalongo (our Para-Social Worker) for teaching us things we didn’t know about saving and linking us to this fish company,” Carol said. “I never thought I’d get a chance to start a fish business, but now I’m doing it. I want to grow my business so that my child doesn’t lack the transport money to get to Namirembe for his medication.”

This sense of empowerment has given Carol the drive to expand her business, working alongside her colleagues to ensure they all succeed. With a focus on saving more, reinvesting their profits, and planning for the future, these caregivers are no longer stuck in a cycle of uncertainty. They are actively creating more secure futures for themselves and their children.

ICARE’s investment in caregivers isn’t just about providing financial tools—it’s about building self-confidence and showing caregivers their potential to thrive. By equipping them with practical skills and linking them to income opportunities, ICARE helps these caregivers become pillars of strength in their households and communities.

As caregivers like Carol continue to grow their businesses, they set an example for others in Nabuti, showing that with support, knowledge, and a bit of courage, it’s possible to turn small beginnings into lasting success