Abdul’s Story : Taking Control of His Financial Future
Abdul* is a 28-year-old man.
*Please note: Alias used to protect identity.
“I was born Deaf. Many people in my community used to distance themselves from me, and even some members of my family did not welcome me. I have two children, but their mother has never supported me. At one point, I felt that I had suffered enough and prayed for God to take me to heaven. Only my mother and my children remained by my side.
One day, my mother heard that I had been invited to the district for an interview with the SUDA project team about vocational training. At the interview, I was asked which course I preferred, and I chose barbering. I received three months of training and was given hair clippers and a start-up kit through the project.
When I returned home, it was a turning point in my life. I rented premises in our local trading centre. My mother gave me UGX 300,000, which I used to buy two more sets of hair clippers and other equipment for the salon.
My business expanded, and other Deaf young people now come to me for training.
Because of my good work, the SUDA project also linked me to a local transport company Baby Coach Transport Company, where I work part-time washing buses. This has enabled me to earn more money, develop leadership skills and make new friends who are both Deaf and hearing.
Without the SUDA project, I would not have been able to buy two acres of land, pay the school fees for my two children and take care of my mother. I am now a respected businessman in my community. My dream is to establish a training centre in the community.”
PROJECT: Strengthening Uganda Deaf Action (SUDA) | 2023-2026
Abdul’s story shows how his own commitment, combined with training and practical support from the project, Strengthening Uganda Deaf Action (SUDA), can make a valuable difference. SUDA was a three-year project delivered by SignHealth Uganda, with support from DeafReach and funded by The True Colours Trust.
It concentrated on preparing deaf young people for work, aiming to give them the skills, confidence and support needed to make decisions about their lives, earn an income and take a more active role in their communities. The three primary outcomes included:
- Increased skills and self-reliance of deaf children and young people.
- Increased parental and family support and aspirations for deaf people.
- Improved community acceptance and opportunities for deaf people.
Across the project, young people received training in leadership, life skills, business management and financial literacy. This included budgeting, saving, customer care, stock management and business planning. In the first year, 104 deaf young people received leadership, life-skills and business-management training. As the project expanded, an additional 220 young people took part in tailored business, financial-literacy and leadership training. By the end of the second year, participants had established more than 15 business and savings activities.
Abdul’s venture is an example of one of those successes, starting with a vocational training opportunity to learn barbering, provided by the SUDA project. Through building his business, Abdul has been able to support his family, buy two acres of land and train other deaf young people in barbering.
The benefits have gone beyond earning an income. Through his business and part-time work, Abdul has built friendships, developed leadership skills and gained recognition in his community. His journey is a powerful testament to how small investments can open massive doors, proving that deaf individuals can achieve financial independence, set big goals, and lead full, purposeful lives.