PDM Skills Capital Turns Shs 1M into Tailoring Hub Employing 10 Youth in Kaberamaido*

KABERAMAIDO_  “Skills for Life” is no longer just a motto for AG Queen Standard Tailoring Workshop. It is now a livelihood for 17 students and 10 employed youth across Kaberamaido District.

Earlier today, Timothy Okodan, the Muzukulu Coordinator for the Teso Sub-Region, interacted with the founder, Ms. Apao Grace Anna, 38, as part of intensified PDM beneficiary success identification.

From Shs 80,000 to Shs 250,000 monthly

A resident of Majengo Village, Majengo Ward, Kaberamaido Town Council, Ms. Apao received Shs 1,000,000 from PDM in 2024. Before the intervention, she earned only Shs 80,000 a month from casual tailoring.

She invested the funds to train youth in tailoring, bought 4 second-hand sewing machines, and formalized her workshop. Today, she trains 17 students annually, earns Shs 250,000 monthly, and employs 1 person to support operations.

Tangible achievements

The income growth has transformed her life:

1. *Land ownership*: She bought a plot of land valued at Shs 7M

2. *Business diversification*: She opened a shoe shop using workshop profits

3. *Household welfare*: She can now provide food, basic needs, and school fees for her family

Beyond her own growth, Ms. Apao continues to mentor and coach youth in the community. Through her training pipeline, 10 youth are now employed within the district with tailoring skills.

Ms. Apao cited delayed fees payment by students, inadequate sewing machines to meet demand, and insecurity as key hurdles limiting expansion.

“PDM gave me capital, but skills gave me sustainability,” Ms. Apao said. “I am committed to training more youth so they can also be self-reliant.”

Her story underscores PDM’s focus on skilling, enterprise growth, and job creation at parish level.