What starts as a simple skill can quickly turn into pride and confidence — just ask the women of Kyeni Group.

After several visits, I spent time talking with the members about the trainings and activities they were interested in. From these conversations, the group agreed to start with liquid soap making because it was practical and something they could easily relate to in their daily lives.

Some members already knew how to make liquid soap, but this knowledge had never been used. During the facilitation, I tapped into their experiences and encouraged them to share with the rest of the group. To make it even more interesting, we also talked about how liquid soap could work as a group activity and a small business venture.

In November, the women contributed money for their first round of 40 litres of soap. Together, we made it successfully. With almost 40 members in the group, they quickly realized they already had a ready market — everyone uses soap at home. They started by selling it among themselves, and the rest was bottled and sold through a member who owns a local shop.

Within three weeks, all the soap was sold. While I was away attending In-Service Training, the group called to let me know they had finished it. Without waiting for support, they bought materials and made another round on their own. That moment clearly showed their confidence and commitment.

Now in the third round of liquid soap making, the group’s energy is still high. The women are actively involved, proud of what they’ve built, and excited about the progress they’ve made together. Watching them turn a simple skill into a thriving activity has been one of the most rewarding experiences of this journey.