Background
The Powerful Means Initiative partners with communities and organizations to create solutions for the world's most vulnerable populations. In Northern Uganda, where the multidimensional poverty rate is estimated to be as high as 90%, PMI is working with St. Bakhita Vocational Training Center (SBVTC) to provide young women with education and support to help them succeed. A core goal of the partnership with SBVTC is to empower young women. Students receive work-study scholarships and collaborate with Notre Dame (ND) students throughout their one-year training program.
In the 2024 graduating class, students worked with ND students in an Innovation & Design Thinking class to identify community needs and develop business ideas. 24 of these graduates were chosen for the inaugural PMI Impact Incubator program. As part of their participation, they provided proof of a rental space for their business. The students and their parents signed an agreement committing to repay 50% of the value of their startup kit and to participate in regular training sessions.
6 Month Summary
The Powerful Means Initiative has continued to make strides in the past three months in the ongoing management of the Incubator, designed to empower the Innovation Scholars of Saint Bakhita Vocational Training Center post-graduation. Key activities during this second phase have been ongoing followup interviews, data collection and evaluation, and beginning to identify potential improvements for the incubator.
Achievements and Progress:
Consistent Participation: 19 of the 24 participants attended a workshop in late May and have been regularly accessible for follow-up interviews, meaning that engagement has remained largely consistent after initial attrition.
Strong Performers: A few participants are doing very well, consistently restocking their inventory and saving money in their village savings groups.
First Completed Repayment: One participant has done exceptionally well and completely finished repayment of the value of her startup kit.
Challenges:
Lack of Transparency: Some participants have been resistant to fully disclosing information about their savings, potentially to avoid repayments.
Conflicting Priorities: During the rainy season, some participants have prioritized gardening over running their own business.
These steps continue equipping Saint Bakhita graduates with the essential tools and resources to launch successful businesses, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities. We are on track to ensure that these alumni remain connected, engaged, and well-supported as they transition into entrepreneurship.