Working with the furthest behind
We are dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable women, youth, and children through holistic empowerment programs by responding to growing community challenges: limited livelihood opportunities, safeguarding risks, low vocational skills among young mothers, weak savings culture, and inadequate community health awareness.
Background
Founded by the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa (FMSA), Twezimbe Centre Integrated Development Programme Limited is located at St. Karoli Lwanga Parish, Mbikko, Uganda. Since 1997, the Programme has been dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable women, youth, and children through holistic and community-driven empowerment initiatives.
Twezimbe responds to persistent community challenges including limited livelihood opportunities, safeguarding risks, low vocational skills among young mothers, weak savings and financial management practices, and inadequate community health awareness. Our work is rooted in the belief that when communities are equipped with the right skills, knowledge, values, and support systems, they are able to create sustainable and dignified livelihoods for themselves and their families.
Through integrated programmes in women’s economic empowerment, vocational and life skills training, VSLA strengthening, safeguarding and child protection, health promotion, and human rights awareness, Twezimbe has achieved tangible outcomes. These include improved household incomes, strengthened savings and loan groups, increased access to vocational skills for young mothers and youth, enhanced safeguarding response mechanisms, reduced vulnerability to abuse and exploitation, and improved community health-seeking behaviour.
Today, Twezimbe Centre serves as a trusted hub of empowerment where women gain financial stability and confidence, young mothers acquire practical vocational and income-generation skills, youth develop the capacity to make responsible life choices, and communities access health information, safeguarding support, and human rights awareness. Through strong partnerships with parish leadership, schools, community health workers, and local leaders, Twezimbe continues to foster resilient, self-reliant, and safer communities.
What Make Us Different
Livelihoods Programme
Twezimbe Centre’s Livelihoods Programme supports vulnerable women, youth, and families to build sustainable income sources through savings, skills development, and business mentoring. Working through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), beneficiaries are supported to save regularly, access loans responsibly, and invest in viable income-generating activities such as small trade, poultry farming, soap making, baking, and book making.
The programme integrates financial literacy, business planning, and mindset change, helping participants move from survival-based activities to more stable household economies. Positive outcomes include improved family welfare, reduced domestic conflict due to financial stress, and increased confidence among participants to plan for the future. Through group structures, Twezimbe also promotes accountability, peer support, and long-term economic resilience.
Education & Vocational Skills Training
Twezimbe Centre runs vocational training programmes aimed at empowering young mothers, girls, and vulnerable youth with practical, market-relevant skills. Training areas include tailoring, hairdressing, knitting, embroidery, and basic handcrafts, delivered through hands-on, competency-based learning at the Centre.
Learners receive continuous mentorship, practical assessments, and follow-up visits to ensure skills are applied beyond the classroom. Many graduates are already earning income through tailoring, salon services, and home-based businesses. The programme also integrates life skills, safeguarding awareness, and savings culture, enabling learners not only to gain skills but also to transition confidently into self-employment and economic independence.
Women Empowerment Programme
The Women Empowerment Programme focuses on strengthening the social and economic wellbeing of vulnerable women through savings groups, access to loans, psychosocial support, and livelihood development. Women are supported to form and strengthen VSLAs, develop viable income-generating activities, and manage finances responsibly.
Beyond economic empowerment, the programme promotes confidence, leadership, and mutual support among women. Regular group meetings, training sessions, and follow-ups help women improve household decision-making, support their children’s education, and contribute positively to family stability. Through this holistic approach, Twezimbe empowers women not only as income earners but also as agents of change within their families and communities.
Health & Human Rights
Twezimbe Centre integrates health promotion and human rights across all its programmes to ensure holistic community wellbeing. The project works with Community Health Workers (CHWs), health facilities, and local leaders to promote hygiene, sanitation, disease prevention, and access to basic health services. Activities include health sensitisation sessions, community medical camps, and referrals for further care.
Twezimbe actively promotes human rights and safeguarding, with a strong focus on child protection, dignity, and the prevention of abuse and exploitation. Communities are sensitised on their rights and responsibilities, while vulnerable cases are identified early and supported through appropriate referral pathways. This integrated approach ensures that economic empowerment goes hand-in-hand with safe, healthy, and dignified living conditions.