The Journey of Twezimbe Centre and the Impact of the Strathmore University´s SBVP Training in its Growth

A story of hope and resilience converges at the Twezimbe Centre, Mbikko area, Jinja District in Uganda. This centre, run by the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa, has become a beacon of transformation for the marginalized, offering vocational training and education to those who have long been overlooked by society. The stories of individuals such as Kakembo Rukia and Tundu Francis, who have risen from the depths of poverty and despair, exemplify the profound impact of the centre’s mission. Through the support of Strathmore University Business School, Sisters´ Blended Value Project (SBVP), the Twezimbe Centre has expanded its reach and effectiveness, embodying the charism of the Franciscan Missionaries of Africa sisters in a tangible and life-changing way.

Before joining the Twezimbe Centre, many of the beneficiaries led lives filled with hardship and uncertainty. Kakembo Rukia, now an instructor at the centre, recalls her humble beginnings with pride and astonishment. “I came here in 1999 without knowing how to read or write,” she confesses. Her journey began in primary 1, progressing steadily until she joined formal education in primary 7 in 2008. Despite the challenges, Rukia persevered, eventually completing her secondary education and earning a diploma in social work from Kampala University. Today, she is a testament to the power of education and determination, teaching others the skills that once seemed out of reach for her.

Similarly, Tundu Francis shares his story of struggle and redemption. “I came to Mbikkoin 2017. I had no education. I worked hard, but money was not enough,” he recalls. Life had been a series of setbacks for Francis, including a broken family and the abandonment of his education after primary six. His mother’s displacement further compounded his sense of despair. However, through the vocational training offered at Twezimbe Centre, Francis discovered his talent for tailoring. “Today, I am a good tailor.  From the income from my work here, I have saved and bought two machines. I can afford a decent life and am now saving to buy my mother a place to live,” he proudly states.

The Twezimbe Centre, under the leadership of Sr. Mary Goretti and her fellow Franciscan Missionaries of Africa sisters, is more than just a vocational training facility; it is a lifeline for those who have been marginalized. The center’s mission aligns seamlessly with the Franciscan charism of living a life of community, simplicity, and love. “We reach out to people together to build the Kingdom of God,” Sr. Mary Goretti explains. The sisters are driven by a deep sense of purpose, believing that everyone has something valuable to offer regardless of their circumstances.

Strathmore University’s  Sisters´ Blended Value Project (SBVP) has been instrumental in the center’s recent successes. The SBVP training provided the sisters with crucial skills in managing revenues, understanding profitability, and effectively pitching their services. “We attended the SBVP training. We were taken through how to manage revenues and how to know if we are making profits or losses. How do you pitch/sell what you have? We have since learned how to convince people to buy our uniforms from the project,” Sr. Mary notes.

Before receiving the SBVP seed grant, the centre needed more materials and machinery, limiting its capacity to serve the community. However, the grant enabled the purchase of additional sewing machines and learning materials, significantly enhancing the center’s operations. “We only had five sewing machines; after receiving the grant, we acquired ten more machines,” Sr. Mary proudly shares. This expansion has allowed the centre to train more individuals, providing them with the skills needed to earn a livelihood.

The impact of the SBVP training and the subsequent improvements at the Twezimbe Centre have had a ripple effect, extending beyond the immediate beneficiaries. The skills and knowledge gained by the sisters have been shared within the congregation, leading to new initiatives aimed at empowering even more people. “One of us who was trained felt encouraged to start another project of helping young women in the slums of Nsambya, Kampala. She started by training 30 women, and the second admission had 50 women,” Sr. Mary recounts. These women have been trained in tailoring and hairdressing, equipping them with the tools to break free from the cycle of poverty. Many have now found purpose in their lives.

The center’s success has also attracted more clients, with an increasing number of schools placing orders for uniforms at the Twezimbe Centre. “When we started the project, we had only two schools for which we were suppluing uniforms. Today, we are making uniforms for eight schools and wewe have three more schools that have already given us orders next year,” Sr. Mary explains.

As the Twezimbe Centre continues to grow and thrive, the sisters remain committed to their mission of serving the marginalized with love and compassion. The training and support received from Strathmore University’s SBVP have empowered them to transform their social ministry into a sustainable enterprise that not only provides vocational skills but also instills hope and dignity in those it serves.

For individuals like Kakembo Rukia and Tundu Francis, the Twezimbe Centre has marked a pivotal chapter in their lives, empowering them to craft new narratives of hope and achievement. Their stories underscore the profound impact that education, training, and a nurturing community can have on those who have been marginalized. As the centre envisions its future, the seeds of hope planted here are set to flourish, bringing about lasting change and a brighter tomorrow for the community of Mbikko and beyond. The growing number of orders from various schools signals a promising and sustainable future, echoing the core mission of the SBVP: transforming social ministries into enduring social enterprises.