TESTIMONIALS
Fatima’s Tailoring Business: A Stitch of Hope
My name is Fatima Hassan, and I was born and raised in Somalia. When war tore my country apart, I fled to Uganda with my two daughters. We arrived at Nakivale Refugee Camp with nothing, and like so many others, I had no idea how I would survive or provide for my children. Life in the camp was hard, and most of my days were filled with worry. The small ration of food we received never seemed to be enough, and I knew that something had to change.
That change came through Victory of God Missionaries Ministry.
I first heard about the ministry through a friend. She told me about their training programs for women, where they were teaching skills that could lead to small business ventures. At the time, I had a little experience in sewing, having learned from my mother back in Somalia, but I had never thought of it as a way to make a living. However, with no other options, I decided to attend one of their sessions.
The training was beyond what I had imagined. The ministry didn’t just teach us how to run a business; they empowered us to believe in ourselves. We were divided into groups of five, and each group was given the opportunity to develop a business plan. I joined with four other women, and we decided to start a small tailoring business. We all knew how to sew basic clothes, and we realized there was a real need in the camp for things like school uniforms, everyday clothing, and even repairs for worn-out garments.
The grant we received—$500 for the five of us—was a lifeline. With that money, we bought two second-hand sewing machines, fabric, thread, scissors, and other supplies. We started by making school uniforms for the children in the camp, offering them at a lower price than what people could find outside. Soon, parents from all over the camp were coming to us, grateful that they could afford new clothes for their children.
As our business grew, so did our confidence. We didn’t just make clothes; we became a source of support for one another. The ministry continued to guide us, providing additional training on things like managing finances, saving money, and expanding our customer base. Within a few months, we had saved enough money to buy another sewing machine and more fabric.
Today, our tailoring business is thriving. We’ve even started sewing custom-made dresses and men’s shirts, and our clientele has expanded beyond the camp. Some of the aid workers who frequent Nakivale have become regular customers, and our designs are getting recognition for their quality and affordability. We’ve also started teaching younger women in the camp how to sew, passing on the skills that have changed our lives.
Before Victory of God Missionaries Ministry stepped in, I felt like a helpless refugee. Now, I feel like a businesswoman with a future. I am proud of the work we’ve done, and I can finally provide for my daughters. They see me not just as their mother, but as an example of strength and resilience. For that, I will be forever grateful.
Hadia’s Handcraft Cooperative: Weaving New Dreams
I am Hadia Mwasa, and I am from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I fled my country with nothing but my four children after war broke out in our village. Life at Nakivale Refugee Camp was difficult, and as a single mother, the pressure to provide for my children was overwhelming. There were days when I didn’t know how we would make it through.
Victory of God Missionaries Ministry changed everything for me. They came into the camp offering training and small grants to help women start businesses. I joined a group of five women, and together we decided to start a handcraft cooperative. Back in Congo, I had learned how to make traditional baskets, and a few of the other women knew how to weave jewelry and make other handcrafts. We realized that there was a market for these goods, especially among the aid workers and visitors to the camp.
With the $500 grant, we bought materials like reeds, beads, and thread. We started small, making baskets, necklaces, bracelets, and other crafts in our spare time. At first, we sold them to other refugees in the camp, but soon, word spread. Aid workers and volunteers began placing orders for our products, and before long, we were struggling to keep up with demand.
The ministry provided more than just financial help—they guided us on how to improve our designs, market our products, and keep track of our earnings. We reinvested our profits into buying more materials and hiring other women in the camp to help us with production. Our small cooperative grew, and we were able to provide jobs for more women, giving them a chance to earn an income and support their families.
Today, our handcraft cooperative is known throughout the camp and beyond. We have expanded our product line to include handbags, wall hangings, and other decorative items, and we even receive orders from customers in Kampala. The income I’ve earned has changed my life—I can now provide for my children, and I no longer worry about how we will survive. The sense of pride I feel is immeasurable.
Victory of God Missionaries Ministry gave me more than just a business; they gave me hope. Through their support, I’ve been able to turn my skills into a source of income, and I’ve discovered that even in the midst of hardship, there is always a way forward. I thank God every day for the ministry and for the second chance they gave me.
Zainab’s Duck Farming Enterprise: Nurturing a New Future
My name is Zainab Ali, and I arrived at Nakivale Refugee Camp from Congo with my three young children, seeking refuge from the turmoil we had left behind. Life in the camp was difficult. Every day, we faced challenges—hunger, uncertainty, and the fear of how I would provide for my children. Food rations were scarce, and I knew I had to find a way to make a living and give my family a chance for a better future.
One day, I heard about the work being done by Victory of God Missionaries Ministry. They were offering training and support to refugees, especially women, helping us start small businesses and regain independence. The ministry gave us hope and the tools we needed to take control of our lives again. They encouraged us to form groups and come up with business ideas that could work within the camp’s environment.
I teamed up with four other women, and together we brainstormed different possibilities. After discussing various ideas, we decided on duck farming. Ducks were well-suited for life in the camp—they didn’t need too much space, were hardy, and their eggs were highly nutritious and in demand. It was a resource we knew we could grow into a successful business.
With the $500 grant provided by Victory of God Missionaries Ministry, we bought 20 ducks, feed, and the basic supplies needed to care for them. It was the start of something new for us. Initially, we focused on selling fresh duck eggs within the camp. Families with children were especially eager to buy them, as eggs were both a healthy and affordable source of protein.
As our business grew, we learned more about the ducks and the potential they held. Through additional training from the ministry, we began to sell duck meat as well, which became popular for special occasions and among people looking for an alternative to the limited meat options available in the camp. We were also taught how to breed ducks, which allowed us to grow our flock and produce even more eggs and meat to sell.
With time and dedication, our duck farming enterprise began to flourish. The Victory of God Missionaries Ministry provided ongoing support, not only by giving us financial training but also by mentoring us in business development. They helped us track our income, reinvest in our flock, and even look for new markets outside the camp. Before long, we were selling duck eggs and meat to local markets in neighboring towns, which gave us a steady stream of income.
The money we earned from the duck farm changed everything for my family. No longer were we relying solely on the rations provided by the camp. I could afford to buy clothes, school supplies, and nutritious food for my children. My children started going to school regularly, and the stress of not knowing where our next meal would come from faded away.
Most importantly, the business gave me a sense of dignity and hope. I no longer felt like a refugee dependent on aid but a mother and entrepreneur who could take care of her family. The Victory of God Missionaries Ministry didn’t just give us money; they gave us the confidence, skills, and support to build a new life.
Through the duck farm, I have been able to create a future for my family. We are saving money, reinvesting in our business, and working toward expanding even more. Today, my children are well-fed, going to school, and I have a sustainable source of income. Our journey from hardship to stability is a testament to God’s grace and the power of community. Thanks to Victory of God Missionaries Ministry, my family and I are thriving, and our duck farming enterprise continues to be a beacon of hope in Nakivale.
Fidela’s Vegetable Garden: Seeds of Change
My name is Mariam Abdi, and I come from Burundi. Life in my home country was difficult even before I was forced to flee, but nothing could have prepared me for the uncertainty and hardships I faced at Nakivale Refugee Camp. I arrived with my husband and five children after escaping a violent conflict, and while we were grateful to be safe, the challenge of survival weighed heavily on us. The food rations were minimal, and I often went to bed wondering how I could provide more for my family.
That’s when I heard about Victory of God Missionaries Ministry.
The ministry offered something that many of us in the camp desperately needed: hope. They provided training on how to start small businesses, and they encouraged us to come up with ideas that could work within the camp’s limited resources. I joined a group of five women, and we started brainstorming. We realized that fresh vegetables were a rarity in the camp, and most people relied on dried or canned food for their meals. That gave us an idea—why not start a vegetable garden?
With the $500 grant, we bought seeds, basic farming tools, and organic fertilizer. We were given a small plot of land near the camp, and together we tilled the soil, planted the seeds, and nurtured the garden every day. It was hard work, but we were determined to make it a success. The ministry’s training had taught us the importance of patience, persistence, and trusting in God’s provision, and we leaned on those principles throughout the process.
After a few months, our garden began to flourish. We grew tomatoes, onions, spinach, and carrots, among other vegetables. The first harvest was small, but it was enough to sell within the camp. The response was overwhelming—people were thrilled to have access to fresh, affordable vegetables. With the money we earned, we bought more seeds and expanded our garden.
Today, our vegetable business is thriving. We sell at the camp’s weekly market, and we’ve even started providing vegetables to local restaurants outside the camp. The money we earn has transformed our lives. I can now afford better food for my family, and my children are healthier and happier. My husband, who had been struggling to find work, is now involved in expanding our garden, and together we have found a new sense of purpose.
Victory of God Missionaries Ministry didn’t just teach us how to farm; they taught us how to believe in ourselves and in God’s plan. The ministry’s support has been a blessing beyond measure, and I will always be grateful for the seeds of hope they planted in my life.
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Aisha Mwema’s Bakery Project: Baking a brighter Future
My name is Aisha Mwema, and I come from a small village in Burundi. Like many others, my life took a dramatic turn when conflict engulfed our country. I was forced to flee, along with my family, to Nakivale Refugee Camp in Uganda. Life as a refugee was difficult, especially for women like me. We arrived with nothing but the clothes on our backs, and for a long time, survival was a daily struggle. But through it all, God remained faithful, and through the work of Victory of God Missionaries Ministry, my life has been transformed in ways I could never have imagined.
When we first arrived at Nakivale, we were lost. My husband had been killed in the conflict, leaving me with three children to care for. I remember sitting outside our temporary shelter at the camp, looking at my children and wondering how I would provide for them. The camp offered basic necessities like food and shelter, but these were never enough. We had lost everything back home—our land, our possessions, our livelihood. I knew that relying on aid alone wasn’t sustainable. My children were growing, and their needs were only increasing. The burden weighed heavily on me, and I often felt hopeless.
That’s when I heard about Victory of God Missionaries Ministry. It started with a whisper in the camp—other women talking about a ministry that was helping people like us start small businesses. At first, I was skeptical. How could I, a widow with no resources and no formal education, start a business? But I was desperate, and I needed hope. So, I attended one of their meetings.
When I arrived at the meeting, I was greeted by warm smiles and welcoming faces. The representatives from the ministry were compassionate, and they understood our struggles. What surprised me most was how practical their approach was. They didn’t just offer charity; they wanted to empower us to stand on our own feet. The ministry offered us training on how to start small businesses, and they provided us with the tools we needed to succeed.
The training was eye-opening. For the first time, I learned about concepts like saving, budgeting, and investing in a sustainable way. It wasn’t complicated or overwhelming—everything was explained in simple terms that we could all understand. The idea was to form groups of five women, and each group would come up with a business idea. If the idea was solid, the ministry would grant each group $500 to start their business. It seemed like a small amount, but when you have nothing, $500 can change your entire world.
I formed a group with four other women—my neighbors in the camp, who were also struggling to provide for their families. We sat down together and brainstormed business ideas. At first, we were unsure of what we could do. None of us had formal business experience, and we didn’t have many resources. But we knew one thing: we had each other, and we were determined to make this work. We decided to start a small bakery business. In the camp, people were always in need of food, and bread was something we knew we could make with minimal resources.
With the $500 grant, we bought flour, yeast, sugar, and other ingredients, as well as a few basic baking tools. We started small—baking bread in our homes and selling it to our neighbors. To our surprise, the demand was immediate. People in the camp were eager to buy fresh bread, and soon, word spread beyond our immediate circle. We started getting orders from other parts of the camp, and our business began to grow.
The impact on my life was immediate. For the first time in years, I was able to provide for my children without relying on handouts. I could afford to buy them clothes, school supplies, and even small treats that I never thought I’d be able to give them. The sense of pride I felt was overwhelming. I was no longer just a refugee; I was a businesswoman. I had a purpose, and I was making a difference in the lives of my family and my community.
But the bakery was just the beginning. As our business grew, we reinvested our profits into expanding our operations. We bought more ingredients, improved our equipment, and started offering different types of bread and pastries. Eventually, we were able to employ other women in the camp, giving them a chance to earn an income as well. Our small bakery had become a beacon of hope, not just for us, but for others in the camp who were inspired by our success.
Victory of God Missionaries Ministry didn’t just give us money; they gave us the skills and confidence we needed to succeed. They taught us about the importance of teamwork, accountability, and perseverance. We faced many challenges along the way—there were times when we struggled to keep up with demand, and there were times when ingredients were hard to come by. But we always turned to prayer, and we trusted that God would provide. He always did.
One of the most important things I learned from the ministry was the power of community. Before, I had felt isolated in my struggles, but through this experience, I realized that we are stronger together. The women in my group became like sisters to me. We supported each other through the ups and downs of running a business, and we shared in each other’s victories and defeats. The ministry also connected us with other groups in the camp, and we formed a network of women entrepreneurs who helped each other succeed. We exchanged ideas, shared resources, and encouraged one another to keep going.
Looking back, I can hardly believe how far we’ve come. Four years ago, I was a widow, struggling to survive in a refugee camp with no hope for the future. Today, I am a successful businesswoman, providing for my children and giving back to my community. My children are thriving—they are in school, they have clothes on their backs, and they are well-fed. They have hope for the future, and that is the greatest gift of all.
I am forever grateful to Victory of God Missionaries Ministry for their support. They didn’t just give me a handout; they gave me the tools I needed to build a better life for myself and my family. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and they showed me that with God, all things are possible.
Through this journey, I have grown in my faith as well. The ministry emphasized the importance of trusting God in all things, and I have seen firsthand how He provides. Every step of the way, God has been faithful. There were times when I doubted— times when I wondered if our business would succeed or if I could continue to provide for my family. But in those moments, I turned to prayer, and God always made a way.
Today, I stand as a testimony to His goodness and faithfulness. What began as a desperate search for survival has turned into a life of purpose and fulfillment. I now have a vision for the future, not just for myself but for my children and for the women in my community. We are not defined by our circumstances; we are defined by our faith in God and our willingness to persevere.
I hope that my story can inspire others, both in the camp and beyond. If I can do it, so can they. With the right support, determination, and faith, anything is possible. Victory of God Missionaries Ministry has shown us that we are not alone in our struggles, and they have given us the tools to rise above them.
I thank God for this ministry, and I pray that they will continue to bless the lives of women like me for many years to come.
