Lilias Sunday is a beacon of hope, resilience, and transformation within Imvepi Refugee Settlement. In 2017, Lilias sought refuge in Imvepi, a place that would later become her home, after escaping the civil war in South Sudan.

Little did she know that her life was about to change significantly, thanks to the unwavering support of Save the Children in partnership with Enabel, Joint Energy and Environment Project (JEEP), and the International Centre for Research in Agro-Forestry (ICRAF), funded by European Union Trust Fund.

Lilias, who was expecting a child at the time, became one of the fortunate beneficiaries of the project, designed to enhance the lives of vulnerable households in the settlement. What Lilias received was more than just a cooking appliance; it was a lifeline that would forever alter the course of her daily life.

 “I got skills of making an energy-efficient cooking stove from Save the Children last year in October,” Lilias recalled, her eyes shining with gratitude. This energy-saving stove, known as the Lorena stove, has become an integral part of her daily routine. “This stove is very good. It has reduced the amount of firewood and charcoal we use,” she said.

“I can cook multiple things at the same time, and as you can see, there is no smoke in my kitchen. I can also leave food boiling and attend to other tasks without worrying about children getting hurt.” The transformative changes brought about by the energy-efficient stove are undeniable. “Because I don’t need to venture into the bush for firewood as often, I have more time for other activities,”

Women making a basket cooker. The basket gets food ready in a little while. 

Cooking has become easier, and the stove’s retained heat allows food to continue cooking even after the fuel is exhausted. This ensures her family enjoys hot and healthy meals. One of the most significant challenges Lilias faced before receiving this stove was the constant need for firewood. “The stove has reduced the amount of fuel I use.”

Previously, I would collect firewood five times a month, but with this Lorena stove, I only collect firewood twice a month,” she added. This saved her precious time and reduced the environmental impact of deforestation in the area. Of course, like any innovation, the Lorena stove isn’t without its challenges. Lilias acknowledged.

“The stove is made of clay soil, so if not smeared properly, it can develop cracks. Regular maintenance, especially re-smearing, is necessary.” Yet, she has overcome these challenges with resilience, drawing from the training provided by Save the Children and managing the cracks by smearing them with readily available mud. The ripple effect of this energy-efficient stove extends beyond Lilias’s household and into her community. She noted.

“My family can enjoy food that stays hot and fresh, even my husband appreciates the convenience. This stove has truly improved our daily lives.” But Lilias doesn’t plan to stop at her own transformation. She envisions a sustainable future where she can pass on her knowledge and skills to others. “I actively participated in constructing the stove alongside local artisans and learned the techniques.

The energy-cooking stove uses less firewood 

When this stove gets worn out, I can construct a new one for myself and teach others how to make for themselves.” she affirmed. Lilias’s inspiring journey serves as a testament to the tangible impact of energy-efficient cooking on refugee livelihoods. Her determination, coupled with the support of organizations like Save the Children and innovative solutions like the Lorena stove, is paving the way for a brighter and more self-reliant future for not only herself but for countless others in her community.

As Lilias aptly advised: “Every family should have access to this stove. Save the Children should consider constructing stoves for each household or provide training to enable families to build their own.” In her words and her actions, Lilias Sunday is a living embodiment of resilience and hope, demonstrating that even in the most challenging circumstances, positive change is possible.