Jesca Tumalu witnessed first-hand struggles when she had to flee her home country South Sudan due to war and instability. She and her family resettled in Ariwa village, Yumbe district in Northern Uganda. Due to the lack of school fees, Jesca was forced to drop out of school when she was in Primary Four. She resorted to staying at home and helping her parents with daily home chores.

Jesca’s fate changed when she came across an advert by Edukans, Enabel’s implementing partner for a youth skills training programme in her community. She decided to apply for the programme on solar repair and engineering. She chose this course because she had seen the challenges of living without electricity and she was driven by the desire to change the living conditions of members of her community.

 “I am grateful for acquiring these skills in solar wiring because where I come from in Ariwa, people are suffering because they don’t have power. Life is really difficult. I want to help my people by bringing electricity to them and making their lives better,” says Jesca.

Upon completing her training and internship, Jesca was privileged to get a job with Ora a company based in Yumbe town, where she now puts her expertise to use.

 “My work involves wiring, installing solar panels and making solar connections, repairs and maintenance”.

Jesca's success goes beyond personal achievement; it is a beacon of hope for other young women in her community. Despite societal norms dictating that certain fields are reserved for men, Jesca encourages female youth to pursue their passions fearlessly. She is living proof that females can break barriers and thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries if they remain determined and resilient.

 “At first I found this course very difficult but it got better with practice and now I enjoy what I do”, she says.

Due to her job, Jesca can now pay rent, buy clothing and cater for her transport to and from work, thereby making her life easier. She inspires other youth to follow in her footsteps while making a positive impact in their communities.