There was a warm breeze that morning as Susan walked to school in her village. She had just turned 12 and was in her last year of elementary school, or primary school as it’s known in Uganda, excited about soon graduating to high school.
And then boom, her life would change forever. A group of LRA rebels kidnapped her and a few of her friends, and took them to be child soldiers.
For six agonizing years, Susan served as a child soldier.
After being repeatedly raped by LRA commanders, Susan was forced to be a single mother of four by age 18.
After finally escaping, when Susan returned home, she faced the heavy burden of not just surviving war caring for these children. She also faced incredible pressure in her community, where there were no jobs or ways to make money.
Then one day she heard that the Grassroots Reconciliation Group (GRG) was organizing savings & farming projects to help people like her. She signed up immediately.
Susan recounts how the “Saving with a Purpose” project began to set her on a path toward realizing previously unattainable dreams. Her actions have transcended financial gains, translating into tangible assets and life improvements that have redefined her circumstances.
Amid all this, Susan radiates enthusiasm as a symbol of positive change. Susan’s active participation in the GRG “Let’s Work Hard” community group projects (Gem Maktic, as it’s known locally) with 25 other former child soldiers & community members has not only empowered her but has ignited a wave of positive change within her community.
She began a group farming and microfinance project in her village in Lamwo. With the savings, Susan turned her dreams into a reality. She FINALLY purchased comfortable mattresses for her and her children to sleep on, and then became an entrepreneur. She started her own small business of raising and selling goats, which is starting to go well.
After becoming an entrepreneur, Susan fulfilled a dream close to her heart. She paid for her children’s education.
As she sat with us, a sense of accomplishment and newfound empowerment enveloped her. This achievement transcends mere numbers; it exemplifies the tangible outcomes that grassroots efforts can yield.
“GRG has been pivotal in transforming my life. Our group has created a savings culture. I’ve found a support system and a platform to grow.”
Susan continues, “The group has not only helped me get income, but we also have a sense of camaraderie. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation.”
Susan’s story is a testament to the transformative power of grassroots initiatives. GRG remains steadfast in its commitment to catalyzing change, nurturing dreams, and uplifting communities. Through initiatives like the Susan’s Let’s Work Hard group, GRG strives to create positive change, fostering a landscape of hope, reconciliation, and progress.
In the haunting aftermath of conflict, GRG strives to be a radiant beacon of hope, committed to rebuilding trust, igniting hope, and fortifying resilience within communities deeply scarred by civil strife. We currently help over 300 people like Susan in projects to help rehabilitate former child soldiers.
Want to help Susan & former child soldiers like her? Donate here to continue these projects.
We operate all of these projects for under $50,000 a year total. GRG is a federally registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization & a Candid (Guidestar) Platinum Charity, and all donations are tax-deductible in the U.S.
Grassroots Reconciliation Group 