From Rock Crushing to Accounting Dreams: A Story of Determination from Moyo, Uganda

June 27, 2025

In the remote reaches of Moyo District, Northern Uganda, employment opportunities can be as scarce as rainfall during the dry season. Yet one young woman's story of perseverance shines brightly against the backdrop of challenging circumstances. 

Born to illiterate parents who struggled to provide necessities for their family, Jacqueline understood from an early age that education represented her path out of generational poverty. This understanding fueled a determination that would carry her through years of dedication and hustle. 

"My parents couldn't read or write, and I saw how this limited their options," Jacqueline explains. "I promised myself I would find a way to stay in school, no matter what it took." 

That promise led her to seek out any work available in her community, starting when she was 15 years of age. When word spread about job opportunities at the construction site of Pipeline Worldwide’s Lonyi Village Humanitarian Lodging and Training Campus, she immediately applied for a position. 

Jacqueline was hired as a rock crusher - an important role in preparing materials for Lonyi Village's security fence surrounding its 3.4-acre campus. For 3 months, she methodically broke stones from a local quarry into uniform pieces that would be used in constructing the sturdy perimeter fence. 

With steady employment at Lonyi Village, Jacqueline found the financial stability she needed to pursue her educational goals. Each day of work crushing rocks brought her closer to covering her school fees. 

"The opportunity to work at Lonyi Village came at exactly the right time," she recalls. "Having consistent work meant I could plan for my education and actually follow through." 

With her earnings from the construction project, Jacqueline accomplished what had once seemed impossible – she completed her senior level studies, the equivalent of finishing high school in Uganda. This achievement represents a significant milestone in a region where young women rarely advance beyond primary education. 

"When I received my completion certificate, I felt so proud," Jacqueline says, her face brightening with a smile. "I am the first in my family to reach this level of education." 

But Jacquelyn's ambitions extend beyond this accomplishment. With her high school education now complete, she has set her sights on becoming an accountant – a profession that would provide stable employment and the opportunity to help others manage their finances. 

Jacqueline's journey from rock crusher to aspiring accountant exemplifies the profound impact thoughtful development projects can have when they engage with local communities as partners rather than simply beneficiaries. 

"I am grateful for the opportunity I had at Lonyi Village," Jacqueline concludes. "It has opened doors that I once thought would remain closed to someone like me."