In today’s interconnected world, digital tools transform how people work, connect, and contribute to their communities. This digital revolution opened doors to new opportunities for Rolande Ansiima, a young refugee from Congo living in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement, this digital revolution opened doors to new opportunities. From her deep passion for permaculture to her drive to make a difference in her community, Rolande embraced the potential of gig work. With limited access to resources and battling the challenges of camp life, she embarked on a journey to learn digital skills that could change her future, one gig at a time. 

Rolande Ansiima resides in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement Camp, in Kashojwa. Despite the tough conditions of life in the camp, she has always been dedicated to making a difference in her community. Before joining the gig work program, Rolande was passionate about permaculture, a sustainable farming method, and was actively involved in community development and education. She viewed these activities as powerful tools to help others and improve her surroundings. 

It was through a friend, who was also a trainer, that Rolande first heard about the gig work program. Intrigued by the idea of earning an income while connecting with others needing her skills, she saw it as a way to further her impact. “I believed the program would help me financially and allow me to share my skills and knowledge on a larger scale,” she reflects. However, she quickly realized that the road ahead would be challenging. 

As one of the first participants in the program, Rolande encountered numerous obstacles. With little experience in digital tools, she initially found it hard to keep up. Power outages and unreliable internet were frequent issues in Nakivale, further slowing down her progress. “The constant delays were frustrating, but I was determined to push through,” she recalls. 

Despite these setbacks, Rolande’s perseverance shone through. Trainers patiently guided her and others through digital platforms like Upwork and Koraborate, vital for finding gig work. “They took us step by step, ensuring that we learned at our own pace,” Rolande shares. Slowly but surely, she became more comfortable with these tools, gaining the confidence she needed to explore new opportunities. 

Rolande’s journey wasn’t just about her success. “Our experiences allowed the program organizers to refine the training for future participants, making the process smoother for others,” she says with pride. 

A major milestone in Rolande’s journey came when she landed her first gig in graphic design. She was hired by a Ugandan travel agency to create their company profile. “It felt like a big step forward, confirmation that these skills could open new doors,” she says. Using her own laptop, Rolande completed the project with great effort and enthusiasm. 

Unfortunately, despite her hard work, she did not receive payment or feedback from the client. This was a difficult experience, but rather than give up, Rolande took it as a lesson. “I realized that gig work could be unpredictable. I needed to be resilient and patient,” she reflects. She remained committed to improving her skills and seeking more opportunities, understanding that the path to success would not always be smooth. 

Rolande’s journey didn’t stop at the gig work. She continued to pursue her passion for permaculture and education, launching personal projects focused on sustainable farming and teaching environmentally friendly practices. She also became involved with a local community-based organization (CBO), using her graphic design skills to create posters and materials for events and fundraising. “This work gave me a sense of purpose and strengthened my role as a community leader,” she says. 

The digital skills Rolande gained during her gig work training became invaluable in these endeavours. “I became better at communicating with others, managing my time, and organizing projects—skills that were useful not only in my gig work but also in my everyday life and work with the CBO,” she explains. 

Even with the progress she made, Rolande continued to face challenges. The excitement of landing her first gig was tempered by the lack of payment, underscoring the uncertainties of freelance work. The ongoing issues with power and internet access in the camp also made it difficult to consistently find and complete gigs. 

However, Rolande’s optimism remained unshaken. She focused on her long-term goals of growing her CBO into a larger charity and expanding her community’s access to sustainable farming practices. “I believe that with continued effort and perseverance, I can overcome these obstacles and achieve my dreams,” she asserts. 

Rolande’s story is a testament to the empowering potential of gig work, even in challenging environments like refugee camps. Her journey highlights the importance of determination, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. It also underscores the power of community support and working together to achieve common goals. 

As she continues to navigate the complexities of gig work and community service, Rolande remains committed to using her skills and experiences to help others. “My journey shows that with the right opportunities and a strong will, it is possible to create positive change—even in difficult circumstances,” she says. 

Rolande Ansiima’s path from a passionate community member to a gig worker is a powerful example of what can happen when opportunity meets perseverance. Through the gig work program, she gained valuable skills and expanded her network. Her experience demonstrates that even people in marginalized communities can use digital tools to find new ways to support themselves and contribute to society. 

As she looks to the future, Rolande remains focused on her goals of growing her CBO, continuing her work in permaculture and education, and making a lasting impact on her community. “There is always room for hope, innovation, and positive change,” she reflects. Rolande’s determination to take charge of her future, despite the challenges, serves as a powerful inspiration to others facing similar circumstances