Akenna Willy’s Journey: From refugee to certified biogas operator
When Akenna Willy left South Sudan in April 2017, he and his younger sister walked for four days before reaching the Ugandan border. After being registered by UNHCR, they were relocated to Imvepi refugee settlement—a place that would eventually become the starting point of a new chapter in Akenna’s life.
Today, at 26, Akenna is a certified biogas operator, supporting his family and helping power his community. His transformation began with a hands-on training program held across three health centres in Imvepi and Rhino Camp refugee settlements. The initiative equipped trainees with vital skills in biogas electrification systems – offering not just technical knowledge, but a pathway to employment and self-reliance.
Learning through the SkillEd App
SkillEd contributed to the project by developing the Circular Refugee Camps (CRC) Android app, which allowed participants like Akenna to study core learning modules before and after their field practice. This blended learning approach meant that trainees could prepare remotely, arriving at the training sites ready to apply their knowledge in real-world conditions.
“The app is very easy to use if you can read and write,” Akenna says. “It saved me from having to travel to attend courses, which made learning much more affordable.”
Akenna’s experience with the biogas system has been life changing.
“I’ve gained skills I never had before,” he explains. “I’ve met people from different places and shared experiences in the biogas field.”
Powering Health and Hope
In places like Imvepi Health Centre, unstable solar power can jeopardise essential medical services, underscoring the urgent demand for dependable energy systems. Thanks to certified trainees like Akenna, these biogas systems can now be operated safely and efficiently, providing reliable energy where it’s needed most.
Akenna’s new skills have also led to a temporary job at the health centre, where he helps maintain the biogas system and earns money to support his now 16-year-old and their household.
“We used to rely on food assistance,” he says. “Now, we farm a small plot, and I can buy food and basic needs with my earnings.”
Ripple Effect
Beyond his own family, Akenna is sharing his knowledge with other youth in the settlement, inspiring a new generation of skilled operators.
“Most of my community now has access to power at the health centre, even when the sun isn’t shining,” he says proudly.
He hopes to continue his education and eventually open a business to support his family and future.
