By Brenda Odhiambo

In the bustling city of Juba, a critical issue hampers the pursuit of education for secondary school students—lack of reliable transportation. Inspired by the pressing need for a solution, Dudi Nyok Luat, a second year International Business Administration student and a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at USIU-Africa embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that led to the creation of the Unitymovers Initiative.

The Unitymovers Initiative was established based on the realization that most high schools in Juba heavily rely on inconsistent and unsafe public transportation, hindering students' access to education. This not only poses safety concerns but also acts as a barrier to quality education, especially for those from low-income backgrounds.

The Initiative aims to bridge this gap by providing a fast, reliable, exclusive, and sustainable transportation solution tailored to the unique needs of high school students. Unitymovers’ mission, encapsulated in the tagline "Ride to Knowledge with Ease," focuses on facilitating safe and convenient transportation options, ensuring students can access educational opportunities without hindrances. Additionally, by offering reliable and sustainable transportation, Unitymovers contributes to reduced traffic congestion and environmental benefits.

Luat notes that Unitymovers’ journey reached a significant milestone when he applied to the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship, where he was one of the finalists who took part in the final Pitch Competition held on Thursday, August 24, 2023.

“My passion for making a positive impact in my community and beyond drove me to apply for the Fellowship. Witnessing the challenges faced by students in Juba due to inadequate transportation fueled my commitment to finding a solution. The Fellowship provided an ideal platform to transform my concept into a viable venture,” he says.

“This experience was not just about seeking funding but a transformative learning opportunity. It equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to turn Unitymovers into a practical, impactful venture. Participating in the Fellowship refined my entrepreneurial skills and expanded my perspective on project development, funding, and the importance of networking and mentorship. I emerged from the experience as a more resilient, knowledgeable, and effective entrepreneur,” he adds.

Luat is committed to making use of the knowledge and skills gained through the Fellowship to address real-world challenges and make a positive impact on society through the continued development and growth of the Unitymovers Initiative. He hopes to be a catalyst for change in his community, contributing to education, sustainability, and community development.

As a testament to the impactful experience he had during his time in the Fellowship, Luat has been selected as one of the mentors for the 2024 Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship.

“This opportunity allows me to pay it forward, becoming a catalyst for change by nurturing and guiding young entrepreneurs, just as I have been supported and guided on my own journey. Unitymovers represents not only a solution to a pressing issue but a commitment to creating a more educated and empowered generation that will positively impact communities and society at large,” he notes.

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is an 8-month program designed to cultivate exceptional entrepreneurial skillsets and mindsets. It empowers emerging leaders to drive both social and financial impact through their ventures. The Fellowship is committed to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in African students and recent graduates, fostering innovation, and creating a positive change in the world.