What We Do

Basic Business Training (BBT)

Currently, we provide the women with Basic Business Training, provided by Get Hope Global which does not require them to be fully literate, but does require them to develop a business plan, including a marketing plan, along with financial tools. With the ongoing help of a business mentor to apply the business principles, the women are able to start a business or increase the potential of their current business, mostly small kiosk-types (fruits or vegetables, charcoal, dried fish).

Village Bank (VB)

When they complete the business training, we then train them in Village Banking and help them with the start-up costs of launching their own Village Bank. This enables the women to save for the first time in their lives and to take out loans for business purposes only. We have found this to be more effective than providing microloans. Village Bank members learn how to keep accurate accounts, just like a real bank. They learn how to keep their bank growing and active, how to handle money safely, and how to avoid corruption.

Skills Training

Different types of training is on-going at all our locations. We offer: sewing/tailoring instruction; baking or catering classes; sweater-making classes; jewelry-making classes; hairdressing and basket-weaving classes. We are constantly looking for ideas for training that will help our women produce sustainable income for the support of their families.

English Classes

In Uganda, English is the official national language for government, business, and education. Uganda is a multilingual country with over 42 indigenous languages.

Many of these women have had their educations interrupted by war, child marriage, or poverty, among other reasons. Because schools are not free, many girls are denied an education beyond 3rd or 4th grade. The ESL classes have turned out to be one of the most appreciated services SOHI provides.