Business/Project Overview
IGAC ( I Am Great And Capable) is a social enterprise in Uganda dedicated to empowering teenage mothers, out-of-school girls and young women by equipping them with crocheting and entrepreneurship skills that enable them to build sustainable livelihoods.
With Eastern region Uganda having the highest rate of teen pregnancies, standing at 28%, significantly higher than national average of 22% as at 2022, teenage pregnancy and school dropout leave young mothers with very limited economic opportunities. Many face stigma, lackemployable skills and struggle to support themselves and their children, often trapping them in cycles of poverty and dependency.
Through IGACU, we provide hands-on crocheting training, entrepreneurship education and mentorship that enable these young women to produce high-quality handmade products and develop the confidence and business skills needed to generate income. By connecting their products to local and international markets, IGAC turns creativity into opportunity and economic independence.
Already working with groups of teenage mothers and young women in Kamuli District, our approach is helping participants gain practical skills, earn income from handmade products and rebuild their confidence as productive members of their communities.
The Problem
Uganda continues to face high rates of teenage pregnancy and school dropout among girls.
According to national statistics, Eastern Uganda records one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates at approximately 28%, significantly above the national average.
As a result;
- Many girls leave school before completing their education.
- Teenage mothers struggle to access employment opportunities.
- Young women face stigma and social exclusion.
- Poverty cycles continue across generations.
- Early marriages remain prevalent.
Without practical livelihood opportunities, many young women remain vulnerable to economic dependency and exploitation.
Proposed Solution
IGACU transforms challenges into opportunities by providing:
- Crochet Skills Training; Teaching girls and young women to create handmade products like bags, clothing, home décor, accessories, wall hangings, baby items, custom handmade products
- Entrepreneurship Development; Beneficiaries learn product pricing, financial literacy, marketing skills and savings culture.
- Mentorship & Life Skills; Sessions include building confidence, leadership, selfdiscovery and improvement skills.
- Upcycling & Environmental Innovation, through transforming used clothes, denim materials and textile waste into marketable products that generate income while protecting the environment.
- Community & School Outreach through conducting awareness campaigns that addressing teenage pregnancy, early marriage, girls’ education, economic empowerment, life skills development.
Goals and Objectives
Our ambition is to train Over 1,000 Girls & Women across multiple districts in Uganda through skills development, entrepreneurship support, market access opportunities, mentorship programs, and community outreach initiatives.
Target Audience/Market
- Schools
- NGOs,
- Fashion houses,
- Corporate organizations,
