The Hope Alive gathering called on the community to become possibility thinkers and take the initiative to take the first step toward community transformation. The response was astounding. Pastors and leaders from Lukka immediately took action, taking stock of their existing resources. Between them they had one sewing machine and a field; plenty to get started, as far as they could tell.

Soon, using that single sewing machine and a few scraps of fabric, classes had begun underneath a large tree. Meanwhile, under the neighboring tree, young women were learning how to make liquid soap, a simple and inexpensive product that has huge demand in rural Uganda.

Months later, during a follow-up visit, we were amazed at the transformation. The program had grown exponentially, with hundreds of women now attending classes daily. Those skilled in soap-making taught others, generating income to purchase more sewing supplies and even a cow for additional revenue. The women also innovated by learning hair braiding using grass from the fields.

Inspired by their progress, we are now planning to formally establish a School of Purpose in Lukka. We’ve provided additional sewing machines and materials, and a local pastor has donated land for a semi-permanent building. This new campus will train 300 girls in hairdressing or tailoring, teaching them self-sufficiency and their value in the Kingdom of God.