When Nighty Lakot watched her 11-year-old son walk into school for the first time in years, she knew she was changing not just his future, but her own as well. Over the last two years, Nighty has gone from struggling as a single mother of four to becoming a successful business owner and community leader.
In early 2023, Nighty learned of Geneva Global’s Speed School Program, which enrolls out-of-school children in an accelerated learning program, giving them a second chance at education. Her son, Rubangakene, had dropped out after his father left, leaving the family without a breadwinner. When she saw the opportunity to give him the education she never had, she seized it.
That year, he began studying in the Speed School Program at Lacekocot Primary School in Pader District, Uganda. Enrolling her son marked a turning point for the entire family.
Like all parents of Speed School students, Nighty joined a Self-Help Group (SHG) created by Geneva Global to help caregivers gain economic stability and overcome the financial barriers that keep children out of school. In April 2023, the Rwot Twero SHG was formed. Through the group, Nighty learned about savings and lending, business skills, and financial literacy. Here, her leadership and determination began to shine.
Seeing her potential, the group elected Nighty as their Chairperson. Together with fellow parents, she slid the first shilling of her saved money into their shared savings box, beginning a new chapter.
As Rubangakene worked toward academic success, Nighty worked toward financial stability. Gaining financial literacy gave her the confidence to take out a small loan to start a shea butter business with just UGX 100,000 (about $30). Her first stall was small—a simple table covered with cloth and her product neatly stacked—but as her sales grew, so did her business. She soon took out a second loan, doubled her stock, and expanded into bigger markets.
Her growing confidence led her to diversify her income by purchasing two piglets and a grinding mill, which she paid for through installments. These ventures strengthened her financial independence and allowed her children to focus fully on their education.
Through their mother’s sacrifice and determination, Nighty’s children now have the educational opportunities she always dreamed of providing. Rubangakene, once a dropout, is now a dedicated sixth-grade student at Lacekocot Primary School, aspiring to become a doctor.
When asked how he feels about his mother’s success, Rubangakene said, “I am happy that my mother has become successful and I have a strong admiration for her. My mother’s success has been possible because of her determination. I believe my mother will succeed even more.”
To further strengthen her family’s stability, Nighty began commercial farming and rented three acres of land to cultivate maize. Thanks to her leadership experience, she joined another savings group and was elected Treasurer.
Within two years, Nighty achieved remarkable growth. All four of her children are now back in school, and her business success has allowed the family to live with stability and pride. “All along it has been my wish and prayer to start a business that would enable me to pay for my children to go to school, buy land, and build a home,” she shared. “It is my focus and determination that enabled me to reach this far.”
Nighty’s greatest joy is seeing her children in school. “I was at a very difficult place, and this opportunity pulled me from a hole and brought me out,” she said. “Feeling empowered socially and economically, and being able to give my children an education, gave me back hope for a better future.”
Today, Nighty is not only securing her family’s livelihood but also shaping a brighter future for her children. Her journey from hardship to resilience is a testament to what women can achieve when given the opportunity to grow.