Harnessing Digital Skills for a Brighter Future: Gabriella's Story

Gabriella Kisali, a 19-year-old Congolese refugee in Nairobi, Kenya, was introduced to RefuSHE by a friend who shared our digital skills training poster. In February 2024, she eagerly began the training program with minimal computer experience, knowing only how to use Microsoft Word. “I didn’t know much about computers or the online world, but I was determined to learn,” she recalls. 

Gabriella, third from left, with her Digital Skills Training classmates

Within three months, Gabriella mastered Excel and began exploring online marketing, website design, and other freelancing skills, finding a particular passion for website development. She stayed after class to refine her skills and has since worked on five websites with guidance from ICT instructors, feeling confident in her ability to deliver quality work. 

Motivated by her classmates' success, Gabriella became one of the highest earners in her class within six months, making money through survey platforms like TimeBucks and Zoombucks. She also created an Upwork account to bid on tasks related to market research, data analysis, and virtual assistance, despite facing challenges in setting up a PayPal account due to her refugee status. With RefuSHE's help, she navigated these obstacles and secured a KRA Tax pin. 

After completing the program in July 2024, Gabriella joined RefuSHE’s Internship program, supporting the ICT department and applying her skills. Alongside digital training, she benefited from RefuSHE’s mental health services, learning to overcome trauma and build strong friendships. Gabriella's journey highlights the impact of digital skills training and her resilience as she builds a stable, independent future.