Birungi Sumaya, 23, is a beneficiary of Reach Out Mbuya Community Health Initiative’s livelihood initiatives. Specifically, she benefited from the ROM Social Enterprise (ROMSE) Skilling and Education Program, where she was equipped with both formal and non-formal education skills, empowering her to rebuild her path and pursue new opportunities.
Birungi, who started as a learner, is also the Secretary for the ROMSE Steering Committee.
During the graduation ceremony on 7th March 2026, where 66 beneficiaries completed vocational skills training, Birungi shared her story as a token of appreciation to Reach Out Mbuya and to inspire others to pursue their dreams.
After completing my Senior Four, I stayed at home for some time as I was unable to continue with further studies. During this period, my mother, who now works as a market vendor at Nakawa Market, was bedridden due to a diabetic wound on her leg and could not support the family.
My turning point came when I learned about skill-building opportunities offered by ROM. I joined the program in December 2023 at the age of 20 under the DREAMS initiative. We began with health sessions and guidance, and after successfully going through the screening process, I was allowed to enroll in a one-month cosmetology course. I completed it successfully, and due to my consistency and commitment, I was selected for a six-month hairdressing course, building on the basic skills I already had. I completed this course as well.
Towards the end of the program, I was fortunate to be directly registered for Level II with the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT), which I successfully passed. Although I was initially expected to sit for Level I, my Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) qualification and my willingness to take on the challenge allowed me to proceed to Level II.
Currently, I am pursuing a National Certificate in Cosmetology and Body Therapy at the Management Training and Advisory Centre (MTAC), where I am now in my second year.
As the firstborn in a family of six, raised by a single mother, this journey holds deep meaning for me. There was a time when I had completely lost hope and even told my mother to give up, but today my perspective has changed.
The course I am pursuing provides a strong foundation for me to further specialize and advance into the cosmetology teaching profession. In the next two years, I envision myself training others in the skills I gained through ROM, while also establishing a professional salon business. Through this, I aim to continue developing my expertise, achieve financial independence, and, in the long term, grow within the cosmetology and body therapy industry.
Birungi (extreme right) supports her peers during a learning visit with the Emmaus University- Netherlands Students
I thank ROM so much because I have been able to pass on these skills to people in my community. I have also gained confidence and public speaking skills, something I never expected.