Growing up in Lubiri A Village, Atanga Town Council in Pader District, Gloria Ajok faced many challenges. The fourth-born in a family of ten children, Gloria lost her mother in 2006 and later had to leave school in Senior Two in 2023 because her family could no longer afford school fees. Although she dreamed of becoming a water engineer, limited opportunities meant she returned home to the only livelihood available to her, farming.
Her future began to change in mid- 2025, while seeking medical care at Atanga Health Centre III, Gloria heard a recruitment announcement for vulnerable young women to join the Global Fund-supported Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) Project implemented by MU-JHU Care Ltd. Encouraged by a friend, Gloria registered and was later selected to join vocational training at Pader Omega Business and Technical School. At Pader Omega, Gloria chose tailoring after exploring different vocational options. “When we arrived, we were introduced to tailoring, hairdressing, welding, building and other courses. I chose tailoring because I believed I could do it well,” she says. Learning was challenging at first. Gloria had never used a sewing machine or designed clothing patterns before. Through practice, mentorship and support from her instructors, she developed the skills needed to create different garments, including dresses, men’s shirts, overalls and coats.
Beyond vocational skills, Gloria gained confidence, communication skills and knowledge about HIV prevention. “MU-JHU taught us about HIV, how to prevent it and the importance of knowing your status. We received information that will help us throughout our lives.” After completing her training and passing her examinations, Gloria undertook an internship at D & B Tailoring Workshop and Beauty Salon in Pader Town. Since April 2026, she has continued working there as a seamstress, building her experience and growing her customer base. Her new skills have given her more than employment, they have given her independence and a renewed belief in herself. Using UGX 80,000 saved from her tailoring work, last month Gloria returned home to Lubiri A Village and planted rice. She plans to harvest and sell the rice by December 2026 and use the proceeds as capital to establish her own tailoring workshop in Pader Town. “I want to become my own boss. My goal is to start my own tailoring workshop,” she says.
A year ago, Gloria’s options appeared limited. Today, she is earning an income, supporting her own goals and planning for a future as a business owner. Her story demonstrates how skills development, mentorship and HIV prevention education can help adolescent girls and young women build confidence, strengthen economic independence and create pathways to healthier futures.
