A 25-year-old female mechanic who trained in mechanics and driving at St. Peter Claver Computer and Ecological Training Centre, a Catholic vocational training institution located in the Lakes State capital, Rumbek, has encouraged parents to allow their daughters who have completed secondary school to join vocational training to learn mechanics and driving.
Nyibol Malual, a single mother with one child from Wulu County, told Radio on Tuesday that she successively undertook a ten-week course in motor mechanics followed by a six-week training in driving at the facility last year after completing her secondary school education.
“The course was initially tough and challenging, but I persevered because I love being a mechanic and like driving. After completing secondary school or university, it is hard to get a job in South Sudan, which is why I studied hard to become a mechanic and a driver,” she explained. “If I did not get a mechanical job, then I would resort to driving. Either way, I can use my hands to work, and that is the most important thing.”
She said she opted for training in mechanics and driving because she had to find skills that could make her look after herself and her son.
“I faced a lot of challenges because I have a son and I am the one taking care of him. I needed my son to go to school, support myself, and that is the reason I chose the course,” Nyibol expounded. “Since completing the course, things changed for the better; I took my son to school, and the money I get from being a mechanic helps me do other things.”
“If I had stayed at home and not embraced this training, I would not be able to support myself, my son, and my family,” she added.
Nyibol says she dreamt of driving while in senior one and that she now combines her driving and mechanical knowledge to earn money.
“I can service a car, do oil changes, change brakes and tires, and do other major repairs on a car; for example, I can change oil and other things and earn SSP 100,000,” she said.
She says her parents are proud of her and happy with her success because she has improved the family’s standard of living.
Nyibol urged parents to allow their daughters who are interested to join the training center managed by the Jesuits (Society of Jesus) of Eastern Africa. The center serves as a critical community hub focused on youth development, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
“When I was doing the course, we were five girls, and the rest were boys,” she said. “When I graduated, I started going to places where I could practice, and I was accepted, and now everything has changed in my life.”
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