In the digital age, the power of online work offers new possibilities, especially for marginalized communities. The Online Gig Work Program has been a transformative force in the lives of many, including Daniela Kengeta, a young Congolese woman who has been living as a refugee in Uganda’s Nakivale settlement for several years. This program provided her with the skills to thrive in the digital economy, helping her discover a new pathway to empowerment.
Daniela first heard about the program from a close friend, Ruphin Kungwa. Intrigued by the potential to earn an income while expanding her skills, she applied, viewing it as a personal opportunity and a way to uplift her community. “I saw it as more than just earning money,” Daniela shared. “It was a way to connect with the world beyond the refugee camp and create opportunities for others.”
Once enrolled, Daniela focused on social media marketing, learning how to promote businesses online, expand her reach, and connect with clients. The program also offered her crucial lessons in networking and building a professional online presence. “Before the program, I didn’t know how to create a professional profile or write proposals,” Daniela explained. “Now I can present myself confidently to potential clients.”
Despite initial setbacks, including difficulties with her first gig due to incomplete information, Daniela remained determined. The training helped her overcome these obstacles, and she soon began working on other online opportunities. “The challenges I faced made me more resilient,” she said. “They pushed me to keep looking for better opportunities.”
Today, Daniela combines her online gigs with a project she’s passionate about—Youth Building Bridges for Peace. The initiative empowers young people in Uganda, helping them understand their rights and potential. Daniela believes that many young refugees lack the knowledge and platforms to express themselves, making them vulnerable to manipulation. Through her project, she’s determined to create a safe space where youth can develop their skills and raise their voices.
The skills Daniela gained from the Online Gig Work Program have also helped her share her work with a broader audience, attracting support and sparking conversations. “Social media marketing has given me a voice,” she said. “I can now promote my work and connect with people who want to support our cause.”One of Daniela’s most significant achievements has been expanding her skills in digital marketing and professional writing. She’s now using these skills to support her dream of starting an organization to help young refugee girls in Uganda. “I want to teach them skills like making reusable sanitary pads,” Daniela shared. “My goal is to help these girls become self-reliant and less vulnerable to exploitation.”
She hopes her organization will grow into a national movement, advocating for young girls’ rights and fighting against domestic violence. “I want to break the cycle of poverty and dependency,” she said. “By empowering these girls, we can change the future.”
Daniela’s journey through the Online Gig Work Program has been life-changing. It opened doors to new opportunities and broadened her vision of what’s possible. “Being a refugee is just a name; it doesn’t define your future,” she said. “The gig work program gave me the tools to build a better tomorrow. I hope other young people take advantage of such opportunities.”
Her message to fellow refugees is simple but powerful: “Don’t wait for tomorrow. Start building your future today.”
Through her determination, resilience, and newfound digital skills, Daniela has shown that with the right support, refugees can thrive in the modern world. Her story is a testament to the power of digital empowerment and the transformative potential of the Online Gig Work Program.
The Online Gig Work Program is an initiative by ILO PROSPECTS under the PROSPECTS Program, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda and implemented by StartHub Africa and Prism Agency Ltd (Kolaborate).
