For many refugees in Uganda, securing a stable job and meeting basic needs can be extremely tough. Yet, amidst these hardships, stories of transformation emerge even amongst our staff. As a Seed Effect Field Officer, who facilitates, supervises, and trains savings & loan groups, Matthew Aju has experienced firsthand how economic empowerment and community support can change lives. 

When reflecting on his employment with Seed Effect, Matthew celebrated, 

“My family life has been transformed, thanks to Seed Effect.”

Before joining Seed Effect, Matthew struggled to find enough food and provide shelter for his family, which includes fifteen dependents. As a refugee, finding a well-paying job was challenging, making it difficult to make ends meet. But everything changed when Seed Effect launched in Uganda in 2017, and Matthew was recruited to help start the program.

While working hard to empower Seed Effect members to access savings and loan groups to provide for their families, Matthew’s skills have also grown. He has gained essential financial management skills through capacity-building and training initiatives offered to staff. These training sessions have empowered him to make strategic decisions, allowing him to invest in livestock, education, and home improvements. Matthew expressed, 

“I have learned how to better manage my finances, and now I am able to invest in things that improve my family’s quality of life.” 

Matthew’s salary from Seed Effect has provided more than just financial stability—it has given his family security and hope for the future. He is now able to provide for his family’s basic needs, including food, medicine, clothing, and shelter. Most importantly, he has been able to send his children to school, something he once thought was beyond his reach.

Seed Effect has fostered a sense of community for Matthew and his colleagues. The relationships he has built through Seed Effect have brought encouragement and support, allowing them to celebrate one another’s successes and face challenges together. Matthew reflects,

“Today, I am proud to say that Seed Effect has taken me from nothing to another level. I am contributing to the community and building a brighter future for my family.” 

Matthew’s story is just one example of the transformative impact of Seed Effect’s mission—but he’s not alone. In fact, many of our staff members are also refugees. By equipping individuals with financial tools, training, and support, Seed Effect’s strategy is not only changing financial trajectories for our members but also fostering long-term resilience and hope for staff families like Matthew’s. His journey proves that when given the right opportunities and tools, refugees can provide for their families with dignity and, through it, transform their futures.