Simon bruno Lokamali and Betty Kulume, residents of Lokeru Village in Lolet Parish, Lorengechora Sub County, Napak district, Karamoja region in Northeastern Uganda are a couple raising three children one boy and two girls aged 4, 6, and 8 years who are currently enrolled in Nursery, Primary One, and Primary Three respectively at Lokododi Primary School.
Before participating in the Positive Parenting Programme supported by Help a Child and implemented by Share an Opportunity Uganda (SAO-U), Simon and Betty believed that parenting was simply about having children and providing for their basic needs. This perception, however, changed significantly after they took part in a series of structured training sessions facilitated by trained Trainers of Trainers (ToTs). The programme reached 120 participants (60 men and 60 women) from their village through participatory learning approaches, delivered in two phases: a 5-day training in November 2025 and a 2-day refresher session in March 2026.
The training covered key areas such as positive parenting practices, child protection, support to children’s education, understanding child development stages, and strengthening family communication. Through these sessions, Simon and Betty gained a deeper understanding that parenting goes beyond provision it involves nurturing, guiding, and actively supporting children’s holistic development.
Simon was later selected as a model parent through a community-based process guided by project criteria, while Betty was identified as a model couple representative. Betty also serves as a leader of the Amaler Self-Help Group, and Simon is a member of the Orokomiti clan elders. Together, they are part of a broader network of trained parents and caregivers in the community.
Reflecting on their transformation, Simon shares:
“Before the training, I thought parenting was just about providing for children. Now I help my children with homework, spend more time with my family, and support my wife in daily activities. Our relationship has improved, and there is more peace at home.”
Betty adds:
“We now work together as a family. Simon supports me with household chores like fetching water, helping the children with homework, and assisting in my retail business. The children are happier, more open, and more confident in talking about school.”
Since the adoption of positive parenting practices, the family has observed notable improvements in their children’s wellbeing, including better school attendance and increased participation in class activities. At the household level, there is stronger cooperation, reduced conflict, and a shared sense of responsibility between both parents.
Beyond their household, Simon and Betty are actively influencing their wider community. Betty shares positive parenting messages during Self-Help Group meetings and community gatherings, while both provide guidance to other families on hygiene, education, and overall family wellbeing. Their reach currently extends to approximately 120 people, including members of parenting groups and SHG’s who continue to benefit from their experience.
Community members have begun to recognize the positive changes within their family and are increasingly interested in adopting similar practices. This growing interest is expected to create a ripple effect across neighbouring villages as more families engage in positive parenting initiatives.
Their journey, however, has not been without challenges. Before the training, Simon struggled with alcohol use, which negatively affected family stability and wellbeing. This contributed to domestic conflict, limited involvement in childcare, and difficulties in meeting household needs. These challenges strained family relationships and impacted the wellbeing of their children.
Through the Positive Parenting Programme and ongoing follow-up support, Simon and Betty have since embarked on a new path one characterized by mutual respect, shared responsibility, and improved family harmony. Their story stands as a powerful example of how targeted community-based interventions can transform not only individual households but also influence broader community change.