DREAMS initiative helps Fort Portal girls escape poverty and risk
By: Hope Leontina.
Nineteen-year-old Kemigisa Brenda had once lost hope of a brighter future. Born and raised in Butebe, North Division, Fort Portal City, she dropped out of school at 16 years old when her parents could no longer afford her fees.
Like many girls in her community, Brenda saw few paths forward. For survival, she turned to transactional relationships, relying on various men for basic needs.
“I had different men who would give me money so I could take care of myself, it felt like I didn’t have a choice. Many of my friends ended up pregnant, and some contracted HIV/AIDS. We felt trapped, thinking there were no other options.” She said.
But today, Brenda’s story is different. After completing a six-month counseling and tailoring program, she stood with pride among 245 other girls at a graduation ceremony at Kibimba Model Safe Space in Fort Portal City on 5th November.
Each graduate received a start-up kit, with Brenda taking home a knitting machine, thanks to the DREAMS project Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe. This initiative, implemented by Baylor Uganda, empowers adolescent girls and young women to regain control of their lives.
Ms Naume Kyakimwa, the DREAMS Program Officer for Fort Portal City, explained that the project targets girls aged 10 to 24 from both Central and North divisions, areas with high HIV infection rates among young people.
“We train these girls in practical skills like tailoring, hairdressing, and catering, these skills allow them to support themselves and resist pressures that often lead to risky behaviors, like early pregnancies or transactional sex,” She said.
“We don’t just train these girls, we mentor them, teach them life skills, and provide a support system that allows them to thrive economically and socially.” She added
For many, the program has been transformative and according to Ms Prossy Komuhimbo, a peer leader at the Kibimba Safe Space, majority of girls there are school dropouts or young mothers who once relied entirely on men for support.
“Depending on men for everything comes with many challenges, many of my friends here have faced abuse and exploitation. But thanks to this project, we now have skills to stand on our own. We no longer have to wait for handouts; we can work for ourselves.” She said.
Dr. Benjamin Muwanika , the care and treatment manager Fort portal- Mubende Baylor Uganda Uganda, praised Fort Portal city’s leadership for their support for the project to be implemented successfully.
“We are grateful to the city for embracing this project wholeheartedly, their commitment has created a conducive environment for us. But for these young women to continue growing, they need integration into broader government programs that can further empower them,” He said.
Betty Mujungu, the Team leader Voice of Toro Gender Desk, thanked DREAMS for addressing local leaders’ calls for programs that economically uplift young women in Fort Portal.
“When you empower a woman, you empower the entire community, women can take the smallest seed and grow it into something much greater,” She said.
Mujungu encouraged the graduates to use their start-up kits to build thriving businesses. “Let this opportunity be just the beginning of something bigger,” she said.
Albert Ahebwa, the Speaker of Fort Portal City, urged the girls not to eat the seed they have been given, but instead Take good care of it, and let it grow into something fruitful.
‘‘Always remember to be in charge of your life, work hard and protect yourself from HIV, this is your future, and it is in your hands.” He said
Fort Portal Deputy Resident City Commissioner Mr Businge Emmanuel urged the girls to become community ambassadors of hope.
“You’ve shown remarkable dedication to changing your lives, now, go back and inspire others. Show your peers that there is a better way that leads to a healthier, brighter future.” He said.