Sixteen-year-old Maobi had never been in a classroom. She was left behind by her mother who returned to Congo three years ago. Having been left behind, Maobi and her siblings were fostered by a compassionate member of a local Child Protection Committee in Nakivale.
The family mainly relies on the mother’s efforts who is a farmer. Collectively, the family grows maize and beans some of which they sell to meet household needs and the rest are reserved to feed the family.
"I always watched other children go to school and wished I could be like them," Maobi shared.
During a household assessment under Save the Children’s Humanitarian Fund Project, Maobi’s situation was brought to light. She was enrolled in school for the very first time and supported with essentials such as clothing and bedding to improve her overall wellbeing.
In addition to direct child support, Save the Children engaged the foster parent in a series of Alternative Care trainings, where he learned his responsibilities as a caregiver, as well as the rights and emotional needs of children in foster care.
To strengthen their bond and equip the family with the skills for sustainable living, both Maobi and her foster father were enrolled in the Safe Families Program. This program allowed them to envision a brighter future together learning how to make shared decisions, nurture emotional warmth at home, and build resilience.
Recognizing that Maobi, at 16, was transitioning into adulthood, Save the Children also enrolled her in the Graduation Program. Together with her caregiver, they developed a family action plan. One of their key goals was to set up a salon business at home, an idea the caregiver had long envisioned. Thanks to his home’s solar power, he knew he could run a small business despite his physical limitations.
Through the Graduation Program, Save the Children procured salon equipment tailored to the caregiver’s ability and supported the setup of a fully functional salon right next to their home. Today, it’s the only salon in the village and it's thriving.
"The business is doing well, I’m back in school, and our home has been renovated," Maobi said. "We now dream of a better future, not just for me, but for all of us."
With strengthened family bonds, financial stability, and access to education, Maobi’s story is a powerful example of how targeted humanitarian interventions can restore dignity, empower families, and secure brighter futures for children in crisis.
