Introduction
We are pleased to present the end of year performance report for Girls Have a Dream School, a vocational training center under Girls Have a Dream Uganda dedicated to empowering underprivileged girls through practical skills, education, and personal development.
Overview
During the year under review, the center provided life changing training opportunities to 61 vulnerable girls from low income families, school dropouts, and at risk backgrounds. With the generous support of our donors and partners, these young women gained employable skills, restored confidence, and renewed hope for independent futures.
Beneficiary Profile
Total girls enrolled: 61
Age range: 13–30 years
Backgrounds
Total number of students admitted 68
55 girls completed their training.
6 girls still continuing.
7 girls dropped out.
Training programs offered
The center delivered hands on, market relevant vocational skills training in tailoring and fashion design, hair dressing, catering and bakery, computer applications and entrepreneurship basics.Key Achievements
4.1 Skills Development and Certification
55 girls successfully completed full vocational training courses.
Trainees demonstrated competency through practical assessment by Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB).
Graduates will receive certificates recognizing their newly acquired skills upon release of results by the assessment board.
4.2 Employment and Income Generation
Several graduates secured jobs and some began income generating activities, enabling them to contribute to household income and support themselves.
4.3 Personal Growth and Empowerment
There were noticeable improvements in self confidence, communication skills, and decision making ability among trainees. Girls who previously felt hopeless about their future now expressed renewed hope, positive attitudes, and clear goals.
4.4 Psychosocial and Mentorship Support
Regular mentorship sessions helped girls address trauma, low self esteem and social challenges.
4.5 Community and Parental Engagement
Parents and guardians were engaged through meetings and progress updates.
Community attitudes towards girls’ education and vocational skills training showed positive change.
Success stories
During our community outreach in the village, we met Lydia living with her single mother who worked tirelessly to raise her four children. Lydia dropped out of school due to financial difficulties, and seeing her classmates continue with their education while she stayed home was painful and for a time her dream felt out of reach. Despite the challenges, Lydia never lost track. She had a natural love for hair dressing, often styling girls in the neighborhood with her limited skills. Recognizing her passion and determination, Lydia was encouraged to enroll for a hair dressing course at Girls Have a Dream School. During her time at the center, Lydia thrived. She committed herself fully to learning hair dressing, mastering techniques with focus and pride. After completing her training in November, Lydia’s hard work paid off. She secured a job as a hairdresser, turning her passion into a profession. Today she earns an income, supporting herself and her mother, and stands out as a young woman who refused to be defined by poverty or setbacks.
This story demonstrates that skills training is a powerful tool for breaking cycles of poverty and dependence.
Challenges Faced
Despite strong progress, several challenges affected implementation. Limited funds restricted the acquisition of more training rooms, and for this reason a temporary center was set up in Wampeewo village to accommodate more girls. There are inadequate training machines and equipment to cater for all trainees. A case in point is sewing machines, which have to be shared, limiting practice time. Some girls struggle with transport and meals, affecting attendance consistency. A few learners, especially house maids, faced family pressure to leave training early for domestic work. Some girls required additional psychosocial support due to difficult home environments. Some girls cannot afford to buy the minimum training materials required during practical lessons. Some graduates cannot afford startup kits and tools required to start businesses.Plans and priorities for 2026
With continued donor partnership, the center aims to expand both reach and impact. The center plans to train at least 60 girls in 2026. More space for training will be provided, with consideration for accommodation for learners from distant places or transport support for those traveling far. Additional furniture and machines will be procured to facilitate training and increase production capacity. Business skills training will be expanded to help more girls start sustainable micro enterprises. A graduate follow up program will be established to track employment and provide ongoing guidance.
Appreciation
Your generous support has enabled 61 vulnerable young women to gain dignity, skills and hope for a self reliant future. Please accept our deepest gratitude for standing with these young women and for believing in their strength. The impact of your generosity will be felt not only today but for years to come in the lives, families and communities forever changed because you chose to care.
Conclusion
This year has demonstrated that when underprivileged girls are given opportunity, skills and support, they rise beyond their circumstances. We look forward to building on this success and empowering even more girls in the coming year.
Prepared by
Esther Nalule
Director
Girls Have a Dream Uganda
