Driven by Skill and Determination, Two Young Men Transform Lives Through Bricklaying

By Waure Eddy

Two young men have emerged as powerful symbols of resilience and determination, proving that skill and hard work can transform lives even in the face of adversity. Justin Simon, 25, and Emmanuel James Gamboripai, 20, completed a one-year training program in ventilator bricklaying with TOFI Company Ltd between 2024 and 2025.

Today, their craftsmanship not only provides a steady income to sustain their families but also inspires hope and self-reliance within their community, highlighting the transformative power of vocational training.

The duo is currently working in Yambio town, opposite St. Mary Church. Simon, who dropped out of school after completing Senior One due to financial constraints, and Emmanuel, who is in Primary Eight at St. Mary Primary School, have managed to balance education, work, and family responsibilities despite difficult circumstances.

Their employer, the owner of TOFI Company Ltd, has given them the opportunity to continue working in ventilator bricklaying in Yambio. Paid on a monthly basis, their income has become a lifeline, enabling them to afford food, medication, and other basic necessities.

“In a day, we eat twice, and we have access to medication through the money we earn from our boss,” they explained.

Although the work is demanding, it is rewarding. Each day, Simon and Emmanuel use six bags of cement to produce between 170 and 180 ventilator bricks. For every bag of cement, they mix two wheelbarrows of sand and two wheelbarrows of aggregate.

Before specializing in ventilator bricklaying, both worked as general builders in Yambio and neighboring counties, including Nzara, Ezo, and Tambura. Transitioning into this specialized skill has provided them with a more stable income and an increasing reputation within the community.

Simon described their employer as “a man of integrity,” noting that he occasionally provides them with cement to make their own ventilator bricks for sale. This opportunity allows them to earn additional income beyond their regular wages.

Ventilator bricks are sold at 15,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), while other designs are priced at 25,000 SSP and 10,000 SSP. “The market is thriving. Customers keep coming because we work with passion,” Simon said.

For Simon, the income has brought significant relief to his household. Married with two children, he is now able to support his family and has even managed to send one of his children back to school.

“I am happy with this work because it has helped me greatly during my time here. I will double my efforts, and our customers encourage us because they appreciate the services we provide in Yambio,” he told The Dawn in an exclusive interview.

Simon has already saved 900,000 SSP and is preparing a one-and-a-half-hectare garden for the 2026 farming season. He emphasizes transparency and accountability in managing his finances and plans to continue his education alongside his work.

“Through education, one can plan for a better future. Education is a lifelong journey,” he said. His earnings also support his grandmother, father, and close friends, reflecting his strong sense of community responsibility.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel uses his income to support his younger brother’s education and to purchase basic necessities such as soap, food, and medication.

“When I receive my money, the first thing I do is take it home and plan what needs to be done. I immediately think of buying school materials and food items,” he explained.

Despite his young age, Emmanuel has already saved 600,000 SSP. He plans to continue working on weekends after schools reopen, balancing his studies with bricklaying duties.

“I am not relying entirely on my family. I want to start something on my own. At 20 years old, I am already helping my family, which is a big achievement for me,” he said proudly.

Emmanuel also highlighted the broader social impact of employment, noting that unemployment contributes significantly to insecurity in South Sudan.

“The high levels of insecurity come from people’s unwillingness to work. Some join peer groups and engage in criminal activities. Everyone must work with their hands in South Sudan,” he said.

For him, ventilator bricklaying is more than just a job—it is a positive alternative to crime and idleness. “Any work that earns you money is worthwhile. No work is bad; all work has value,” he added.

Both Simon and Emmanuel view their current work as a foundation for future growth. Their employer plans to expand operations to other locations within the state, potentially assigning them to new centers.

They also encourage fellow youth to embrace creativity, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance rather than depending solely on family support.

“Our motto as young people is that we need peace, unity, and security to develop more rapidly,” they said.

The journey of these two young men is more than a story of survival—it is a testament to initiative, perseverance, and hope. From humble beginnings as builders in Yambio and surrounding counties, Simon and Emmanuel have built a livelihood that sustains their families, supports their education, and uplifts their community.

By laying ventilator bricks with passion and integrity, they are not only constructing walls but also building futures—brick by brick, day by day. Their determination to balance work, education, and family responsibilities stands as a powerful example of resilience in a nation striving for peace and development.