My name is Locham Peter Jorich, and I recently completed graduated from The Leadership Academy of South Sudan (LASS) as a proud member of the Heirs of Grace Generation class of 2023-2024. During my time at LASS, I had the privilege of serving on the Student Council and served as the “Papa” in my caregroup. LASS wasn’t just a school for me—it was a foundation for everything I am becoming.
During my time off from school before I start University, I’ve taken a step into the world of entrepreneurship. I started a charging center business in Juba—a place where people from my community can charge their devices. The idea came from a problem I observed in my community: electricity is still scarce and unreliable. The need was glaring, and I wanted to be part of the solution.
The response to my business has been incredible. On the first three days alone, I made 53,000 South Sudanese Pounds ($406.88 USD). That initial success was more than just encouraging—it was proof that I was solving a real problem and that the market was there for my services. Seeing people stream into the center, grateful for a reliable charging station, reaffirmed my belief that entrepreneurship is about meeting needs and serving others.
The journey of starting this business was not without challenges, but LASS prepared me well. The entrepreneurship class equipped me with vital skills like negotiation, planning, and perseverance. When I needed capital to start the business, I negotiated with my relatives to give me two cows, which I then sold to raise funds. It took about two weeks of persistence, but the negotiation skills I learned at LASS made all the difference.
I also drew on the technical skills I had picked up over the years to handle the electrical work myself, which significantly reduced my startup costs. Today, the charging center is buzzing with activity, and I’ve trained my brother to manage it when I’m not around. This not only keeps the business running but also provides him with an opportunity to learn and grow.
My passion for business has deep roots. My father, a businessman, inspired me from a young age. When I was just 11 or 12 years old, I would help him run his shop in Boma. Tragically, the war destroyed everything; his business was burned to the ground. But those early experiences stuck with me—they planted a seed that is now growing.
Looking ahead, I plan to hand over the charging center to my brother when I join university in August. My goal is to save the profits from this venture and use them to start another business while at university. LASS taught me to dream big but also to work smart.
LASS didn’t just teach me theory; it shaped my mindset. It gave me the tools to identify needs, solve problems, and create opportunities. More importantly, it instilled in me the belief that I can make a difference, no matter how small the beginnings.
I carry with me the lessons I learned at LASS and the confidence that I can build a brighter future—not just for myself but for my community as well. The journey has only begun, and I know that with God, hard work, and the foundation I received at LASS, there are no limits to what I can achieve.
