At just 24 years old, Abio Rhoda Bridget, a South Sudanese national and Kyambogo University graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Arts in Social Sciences, has a story that resonates with the silent struggles many young graduates face. Her journey to employment did not begin with excitement it began with waiting, doubt, and countless unanswered applications.
“I walked from office to office hoping to find an opportunity,” Abio recalls. “Weeks turned into months, and nothing seemed to work. It was one of the toughest moments of my life.”
Just when she felt the weight of discouragement, a simple advert by EVE Organization appeared, a call for volunteers under the Leaders of Peace Project (LOP). With little hope left but a strong inner push, Abio applied.
“That decision changed my life,” she says.
After going through a competitive recruitment process, Abio emerged among the top ten selected candidates. She and her peers underwent a one-week intensive training covering leadership, safeguarding, gender-based violence, and essential professional skills.
Following the training, Abio was placed at Assistance Mission for Africa (AMA) as a Gender and Inclusion Officer.
The organization first launched its volunteer program in 2018–2019, enrolling 50 fresh graduates under the name “Incubators Program.” This early initiative focused on women’s leadership and political participation, equipping young women with confidence, civic awareness, and the ability to engage in decision-making spaces.
In 2021, the program was redesigned and renamed the Young Women Leadership Program (YWLP) to incorporate broader leadership development, community engagement, and pathways to employment. Under this enhanced structure, the Leaders of Peace Project became one of its flagship models — creating opportunities like the one that transformed Abio’s life.
Although the position was voluntary, Abio embraced it with commitment. Supported with small incentives for lunch and transport from EVE Organization, she invested her time in learning.
She attended workshops, worked alongside seasoned professionals, and traveled to field locations to engage directly with communities. Each day became a new lesson in leadership, resilience, communication, and service.
Her hard work paid off.
At the end of the program, AMA retained her as a Program Assistant, a role that affirmed her growth and potential.
“That moment showed me that humility, consistency, and perseverance truly open doors,” she says with pride.
Through the LOP, Abio has grown into a confident, empowered young woman who believes in her ability to shape her own future.
“I am deeply grateful to EVE Organization for women Development under LOP project and AMA for believing in me,” she says. “They gave me a platform to shine.”
Today, she stands as a living example of how community empowerment programs can transform lives not just through training, but by offering real pathways to employment and leadership.
Abio’s story speaks directly to thousands of young women who feel stuck after graduation.
“To every young woman out there who is uncertain about tomorrow don’t give up,” she says.
“Keep pushing, keep learning, and keep believing in yourself. Sometimes the first opportunity may not look like your dream job, but it might be the key that unlocks your destiny.”
She encourages graduates to embrace volunteer opportunities as stepping stones toward growth.
“When given the chance, volunteer. Learn. Grow. Be patient. Your effort will never go to waste,” she adds. “I am living proof that a volunteer opportunity can turn into a meaningful career.”
Abio’s journey showcases the impact of the Young Women Leadership Program an initiatives designed to prepare young women for leadership, employment, and social change. Her experience reflects EVE Organization’s commitment to empowering young women through skills development, mentorship, and practical exposure.
Her success is not just personal it is a testament to what strong partnerships, community-focused programs, and opportunities for young people can achieve.
