Income Generating Support Project Report

 

Here is the latest report on the Income Generating Support Project (IGSP) written by Emmanuel Semuko (Lead Social Worker).
 

* Names have been changed to protect identities.

INCOME GENERATING SUPPORT PROJECT (IGSP)
‘Transforming ideas into income generating enterprises’

Introduction

Victory Child Care Project (VCCP) is dedicated to supporting the holistic needs of children, including access to quality education, nutritious food, clothing, decent shelter, and adequate medical care. Through its resettlement family initiatives and Child Education Support Program (CESP), VCCP strives to deliver lasting care and support that improves the lives of vulnerable children across Uganda.

While these programs have made significant strides, it was observed that some families continued to struggle to meet basic needs, threatening the well-being and educational prospects of their children. To address this challenge, VCCP empowered 11 caretakers by providing financial support and business training to start and grow income-generating activities (IGAs).

Overview of Income-Generating Activities
Caretakers have established diverse small businesses including vegetable stalls, crop farming, poultry farming, charcoal sales, and piggery. These enterprises have provided steady income and promoted self-reliance, enabling caretakers to meet basic household needs and improve their quality of life.

Caregiver's Name - Child's Name - Type of Business

Sarah - Ben - Vegetable stall

Julia - Leo - Firewood stall

Vanessa - David - Firewood stall

Robert - Mason and Miles - Charcoal stall

Abigail - Faith and Isaac - Kiosk

Gloria - Mia - Goat rearing

Laura - Elena - Gardening (Group of 2)

Rachel - Mary - Gardening (Group of 2)

Caroline - James - Goat rearing (Group of 2)

Margaret - Archie - Goat rearing (Group of 2)

Sharon - George - Vegetable farming & piggery

Benefits of IGAs for Caretakers
The IGAs have equipped caretakers with practical skills and opportunities:

Business growth and diversified income: Operating multiple ventures has reduced financial risk. For example, Robert expanded from charcoal sales to farming vegetables and maize and has registered success in meeting his household needs.

  • Financial security and emergency savings: Abigail operates a stall and tracks every sale; she saves at least 3,000/= daily (approx. 90,000/= per month), providing a safety net for emergencies.

  • Family stability and education: The earnings of Gloria, Rachel, and Caroline (goat rearing), Laura (crop farming), and Margaret (ghee production) enable their children to attend school regularly in a boarding school, with all scholastic supplies received on time.

  • Enhanced family welfare: Increased income has improved living standards. Notably, Julia has invested profits from firewood into poultry and goat rearing. She has also transitioned from renting to owning a plot of land.

SUCCESS STORY: Robert – From Charcoal Seller to Farmer and Trader

Robert, a single father caring for his two sons, faced immense challenges before receiving support. Living with chronic health issues and having lost hope, his life took a remarkable turn after receiving funds.

He expanded his business from selling charcoal to farming maize, tomatoes, and vegetables. With the profits, Robert consistently pays school dues for his sons who are both in Primary School, and reinvests in agricultural techniques like crop rotation. He is currently saving to buy a plot of land to build a permanent home, symbolizing a new chapter of stability and hope.

Summary of Challenges & Recommendations Challenges:

  • Limited cash flow and seasonal fluctuations.

  • Market and environmental risks (pests and diseases).

  • Long production cycles (2-3 years for goats).

Recommendations:

  • Advanced marketing training for efficiency.

  • Access to further finance for top-performing beneficiaries.

  • Strengthening community linkages to local markets and cooperatives.

Conclusion
VCCP has transformed caretakers into skilled, confident entrepreneurs. Their ability to save, invest, and educate their children ensures long-term stability and growth for their families across Uganda.

 
Harvey Jones