In a country where rebuilding lives and communities remains a challenge, the stories of Akur Gai and Amuor Bathou Deng highlight the transformative power of education and the resilience of South Sudan’s people.
Breaking barriers and rebuilding lives
Meet Bor Town’s new woman plumber
When 31-year-old Akur Gai from Bor Town lost her husband, she was left to support her family alone. Determined to forge a better future, she chose a path few women dared to take - plumbing.
In a field traditionally dominated by men, Akur defied expectations and enrolled in a plumbing and pipefitting programme at the Bor Vocational Centre, which is supported by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). She was the only woman in her class but persevered with determination.
“For me, plumbing was not just a choice but a step towards financial independence,” she says. “Since graduating, I have been able to support my family by working with the Jonglei State Rural Water Cooperation and taking private contracts.”
Meet Bor Town’s new woman plumber
When 31-year-old Akur Gai from Bor Town lost her husband, she was left to support her family alone. Determined to forge a better future, she chose a path few women dared to take - plumbing.
In a field traditionally dominated by men, Akur defied expectations and enrolled in a plumbing and pipefitting programme at the Bor Vocational Centre, which is supported by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). She was the only woman in her class but persevered with determination.
“For me, plumbing was not just a choice but a step towards financial independence,” she says. “Since graduating, I have been able to support my family by working with the Jonglei State Rural Water Cooperation and taking private contracts.”
Akur secured a job with the Jonglei State Rural Water Cooperation even before finishing her training. Today, she earns a stable monthly income of around USD 122, working on water connections in Bor Town, and contracting with hotels and residents.
“Women have great potential to succeed in such fields,” she adds. “I hope my journey inspires others to explore these opportunities.”
Amuor’s fish enterprise
For Amuor Bathou Deng, a widow and mother of four from Anyidi Payam in Jonglei State, survival once meant collecting wild fruits after her cattle succumbed to disease. With no stable source of income, she struggled to support her family. But in 2024, her life took a transformative turn when she joined the Jonglei United Women Fish Sellers Group.
Amuor received training in fish processing, preservation, business management, and problem-solving. Armed with these new skills, she launched a thriving fish business, sourcing products from multiple regions and employing six young people. Her restaurant by the Nile now generates USD 100 to 300 monthly, securing her family’s future while creating jobs in her community.
“This programme has empowered women like me to transform our lives and support our communities,” she says proudly.
The bigger picture
These inspiring stories are part of a broader effort by NRC to empower South Sudanese youth through the technical and vocational education and training programme. Funded by Sida through UNESCO, the project equips individuals with practical skills to build sustainable livelihoods and strengthen their communities.
The Bor Vocational Centre and initiatives like the Jonglei United Women Fish Sellers Group are just two examples of how this initiative is making a difference. By breaking gender barriers, creating job opportunities, and fostering economic independence, the project is helping some of South Sudan’s most vulnerable populations.
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