At GBS, one of our core values is that we want to make a significant contribution to our communities, and nothing highlights that more than the work of graduate Jbar Yahya.

Jbar’s journey began in 2020, when he started on his BA (Hons) Business and Enterprise course with GBS. It was during his time studying with us, in 2022, when he decided to utilise the skills and knowledge learnt on his course to found his own charity – Luminaire Rural Development Organisation (LRDO).

LRDO is dedicated to providing healthcare, clean water, and vocational education to children in war-torn Sudan. The aim is to support the communities that once supported Jbar, and to lay the foundations for rebuilding once peace returns. With conflict dominating daily life, basic needs such as clean water and education are often overlooked, trapping the next generation in poverty.

Having faced his own challenges when he emigrated to the UK and struggling to secure roles without the necessary experience, Jbar is determined that others from his community will not face the same issues. Through LRDO, he is creating opportunities for people to fill the skill gaps in both Sudan and the wider world.

In an interview with the Alumni team, Jbar stated that GBS “opened so many doors for me. Through my studies and the enterprise support at the Enterprise Hub, I was given the tools I needed to start my venture, and to turn my ideas into reality”. Thanks to employability-focused teaching and the additional support of the Enterprise Hub, Jbar has been empowered to help others in his community achieve their full potential.

Jbar’s mission can be supported both by raising awareness of his work and by volunteering. One such opportunity arose earlier this August, when he connected with the Employer Engagement team to create a Social Media Volunteer role. This placement was filled by a current GBS student, providing valuable hands-on experience in digital marketing sector. Collaborations like these demonstrate how working with Jbar not only benefits his community, but also helps GBS students strengthen their CVs and prepare for future skilled roles in their desired fields. The successful placement was made possible through the combined efforts of the Alumni, Enterprise, and Employer Engagement teams.

Now that Jbar’s dream has become a reality, he’s aiming higher and higher. His goal is to create a standardised, vocational educational system, recognised by the United Nations, that can be applicable to any country. He also wishes to build more and more courses to fill the skills gap in Sudan, the UK, and the world. As Jbar says: “all countries need skilled workers!”

When asked about how current students can follow in his path towards their goals, he said: “To reach your goals you need to work hard. Don’t give up. Small steps can lead to your legacy.” Through the work at LRDO, and the support he’s received at GBS, Jbar is truly changing lives through education.

You can see the work of Jbar and LRDO on their website, and social media channels.

At GBS, being part of our community doesn’t stop at graduation. From lifelong career guidance and free development workshops to opportunities for alumni to shine, we’re here for you every step of the way.

For more details on how we support our students and alumni, get in touch with our team at alumni@globalbanking.ac.uk.