SUCCESS STORY: From Grief to Growth – Joyce Dousa’s Journey to Self-Reliance.

Joyce Dousa, a 32-year-old South Sudanese refugee and widow, is a proud mother of three children and a member of the Destiny Community Savings and Credit Group (CSCG) in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement. Her journey is one of resilience, determination, and renewed hope.

Joyce’s life changed tragically when her husband was abducted from their home at night and killed in South Sudan in 2017 during the war. She was left alone to care for her three children, and she fled to Uganda in 2017 in search of safety and a better future. Life in the refugee settlement was challenging, especially as the sole provider for her family. Meeting basic needs such as food, education, and healthcare often felt overwhelming.

Her turning point came when she joined the Destiny CSCG supported by CRESS Africa Foundation. Through financial literacy and business management trainings provided by CAF, Joyce gained valuable knowledge and confidence to start an income-generating activity.

In 2025, she borrowed UGX 300,000 from her savings group and invested it in leasing one acre of land to grow cassava as a business. With dedication and hard work, Joyce successfully cultivated her crop.
In 2026, she harvested 11 sacks of cassava from the garden. She has already sold 6 sacks, earning UGX 540,000. One sack has been reserved for family consumption to improve household food security, while the remaining sacks are still being sold. By the end of the sales, Joyce expects to generate over UGX 1,000,000 in total income.

Today, Joyce is better able to support her children and plan for their future. Her success goes beyond income; it represents restored dignity, strengthened resilience, and the power of opportunity.

Joyce’s story demonstrates that with access to savings, credit, and practical skills training, refugee women can rebuild their lives and move toward self-reliance.