Mawa Zubbairi: A Future Secured Through UCAA Empowerment

Mawa Zubbairi, 29 years, and his wife Chandiru Kalisum, 24 years, live in Naragala West Village, Ailapi Parish, Bijo/Kukululu Sub-county. The young couple, parents to four children (one boy and three girls), are active members of Amaechara Youth Group, a group duly registered at both the sub-county and district levels.

Before joining the group formed after UCAA’s community sensitization their livelihood was difficult. Mawa relied on boda-boda riding, small-scale farming, and selling clothes to provide for the family, while Chandiru depended solely on farming. Both of them shared with the UCAA Project Officer during a support visit that they often struggled to make progress due to limited knowledge and skills in business and modern farming practices. Their family home was also in a very poor and discouraging condition, leaving them uncertain about their future.

This changed after UCAA trained their group in VSLA methodologies, group dynamics, Income Generating Activities (IGAs), advanced business skills, positive parenting, and backyard gardening. Equipped with new knowledge, Mawa and Chandiru began borrowing and investing money through their VSLA group to strengthen their businesses.

The impact was transformative. With improved business management and increased income, the couple managed to construct a permanent house, giving their family dignity, security, and hope for the years ahead.

Mawa happily shared that, thanks to UCAA’s empowerment, he now feels his future is secure and he can confidently plan for a better life for his children.