In May 2017, Almar, a spirited 21-year-old from Ikotos village in South Sudan, found herself thrust into chaos as war ravaged her homeland. The tragic loss of her uncle left her with the heavy responsibility of caring for his five orphaned children, alongside her own two. Seeking safety, Almar fled to Uganda and found refuge in the Palabek settlement, a sanctuary for many escaping the violence.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Almar’s resilience shone through. As the head of a family of eight, she embraced her role with unwavering determination. Her life took a transformative turn in 2023 when she joined THRIVEGulu’s “Helping Girls Shine through Financial Literacy and Business Success” program. This initiative aimed to empower young girls like her, and Almar quickly became a cornerstone of the Lubanga Twero Girls Shine Group, a Village Savings and Loan Association composed of 30 determined young women.
Through financial literacy education, Almar reignited her passion for tailoring. With a loan of 200,000 UGX (55 USD) from her group, she enrolled in a tailoring course. Equipped with new skills, she purchased a sewing machine and began mending clothes, earning an impressive 10,000 UGX (2.50 USD) daily. As her confidence grew, she ventured into creating her own clothing line, utilizing vibrant African fabrics, which soon became a profitable endeavor.
“I have been able to save a lot of money and send my kids to school thanks to the VSLA. With the income from my business, I was able to purchase solar lights for my home, enabling my kids to complete their homework at night. Thanks to Project Redwood and THRIVEGulu, I was able to forget about the horrific days I spent in South Sudan. I am able to contribute to the development of my new community and feel appreciated here,” Almar shared.
But Almar’s aspirations didn’t stop there. She envisioned returning to school in 2025 to complete her education. “I believe in myself and my business,” she declared. Her incredible journey from a war-torn village to a thriving entrepreneur serves as a powerful reminder that resilience and empowerment can illuminate even the darkest paths, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams against all odds.
Almar’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of education and community support. Her journey proves that with determination and the right opportunities, anything is possible.
