“My name is Tatyama Andrew, born and raised on the small and remote island of Kitobo in the Kalangala district on Lake Victoria, Uganda. Coming from a humble family background, I faced significant challenges in my studies but never gave up. In 2015, I completed high school but couldn’t immediately join university due to a lack of funds.
In 2016, our lives changed when a mini grid company called Absolute Energy came to our village to electrify it. This was a dream come true because we never imagined that electricity could reach our island. Thanks to the efforts of mini grid developers, many rural communities in developing countries now have access to electricity. Under the management of Valeria Gambino and Carlo Tacconelli, who later founded EnGreen, I was recruited by Absolute Energy as a customer care officer and later promoted to accountant for the ice machine. This opportunity allowed me to save funds and eventually enroll at Makerere University, the oldest and largest university in East Africa.
Now, I work at Equatorial Power Limited as a business development analyst. In this role, I am responsible for identifying potential sites and raising grants to electrify rural communities in Uganda, DRC, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Ethiopia. The training and support I received from Valeria and Carlo were instrumental in my journey. Their mentorship did not end with my initial training; it has continued throughout the years, fostering my professional growth and development.
I want to use this opportunity to encourage my fellow rural youths to embrace the opportunities that come with mini grids in our communities. With power and energy, we have the power to make a significant move forward.”
Valeria and Carlo, founders of EnGreen, have consistently demonstrated a commitment to training and supporting the career journeys of the individuals they meet. Their mentorship extends beyond initial training, creating lasting collaborations that drive continuous professional and personal development.
These are the core values of EnGreen, focusing on empowerment, sustainability, and community development. The story of Valeria and Carlo, from their work at Absolute Energy to founding EnGreen, is a testament to the profound impact of dedicated mentorship and ongoing support. They have shown that empowering individuals with the right skills and opportunities can lead to transformative changes, not just for those individuals, but for entire communities.
