Lesley Nala, a 35-year-old electrician living in Sawarin Village, Wewak District of East Sepik Province, is setting the path to transform his family's life by venturing into fish farming with support from the EU-STREIT PNG Programme. His success in fish farming has not only improved their diet and income but also inspired his community through his determination and vision. Lesley's story begins in the village of Kwarin in Maprik District, where he grew up among many siblings. Seeking better opportunities and access to education, he moved to Wewak and completed Grade 10 and some technical-vocational short courses there. In Wewak, he met his wife, Linsay Kiang, through a shared love for volleyball. They married and settled in Sawarin Village, buying land from the traditional owners, where they started their own family, now blessed with a five-year-old daughter. Initially, life in Wewak was challenging. Both Lesley and Linsay worked hard to support their family. Lesley, who had trained as an electrician, found work with a private enterprise, while Linsay served as a nurse at a local hospital. Despite their efforts, relying solely on their paychecks made it difficult to provide for their growing family. To supplement their income, Lesley tried his hand at planting peanuts and vegetables on their land, but the results were not as fruitful as they had hoped. "I got involved in planting peanuts as my first project on the block I purchased.” “I harvested and sold them in the market, but the income wasn’t enough to make a significant difference.” Lesley's journey into aquaculture began with a simple yet reflective moment of inspiration. One night, in February 2023, while listening to the radio, Lesley heard an aquaculture officer from the EU-STREIT PNG Programme speaks about fish farming and the support being provided by the Programme to promote aquaculture in the region. The concept sparked a new interest in Lesley. "I was listening, and it really inspired me," Lesley recalls. "I shared the idea with my wife, and we decided to dig some fishponds." Armed with a spade and a vision, he began transforming his land. Afterwards, Lesley reached out to the EU-STREIT PNG Programme for support and guidance. "I went to the EU-STREIT PNG Office, in March 2023, just to get information on requirements to get some support," Lesley explains. "I also didn't know specifics of a fishpond, so I went to get this info and details from the aquaculture officer." He received valuable advice and support from the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, including information on pond construction, fish husbandry, and feed management. The Programme also provided Lesley with 100 fingerlings to kick-start his aquaculture venture, along with guidance on obtaining official SME registration certificate. Thanks to the support and his hard work, today, Lesley has six fishponds of varying sizes, home to over 1,000 super tilapias. His efforts have not only provided his family with a nutritious source of food but have also created a sustainable income. "We now have fresh fish on our plates twice a week," Lesley shares with a smile. "My wife and I are very happy with these fishponds because it is helping all of us including my family and neighbours. My child enjoys every meal so as my wife." The family now enjoys freshly harvested fish with their staple foods like taro, banana, or kaukau. "Compared to the past, our meal today tastes better and sweet. We enjoy harvesting fish straight from the pond and we fish our food because it is super tilapia and taste good." The difference in their diet and well-being is clear. “The fishponds have helped to reduce the cost of buying food, especially protein, from the market and stores. The protein now comes from the pond, which is like free to us, and we are very happy for coming into a new life,” added Lesly. Last Christmas alone, he sold over 1,000 fish at PGK 2, 2.50, and 3. Since then, he has continued to sell fish regularly, saying, "These days, I sell fish every 2 months about 70, 80 or 100 plus fish. Neighbours also come to the house to buy fish, so I sell at PGK 10 per kilogram. At the house, I have sold between 200 and 300 kilograms already." This income has not only helped cover household expenses but also allowed them to buy better quality food and save for future endeavours, such as clothing and other household needs. This additional income has allowed Lesley and Linsay to modestly improve their living conditions. Lesley's success is not just a personal triumph; it's a story that resonates throughout Sawarin Village. He involves 15 local youths who assist in managing the fishponds, providing them with not just work but also valuable skills and a fair share of the profits. "When I sell fish, I share the earnings with the boys. It's a group effort, and everyone benefits," Lesley explains. He divides the earnings equally between himself and his wife, and the group of boys who help him. "If we earn PGK 500 from the sale of fish, my wife and I get PGK 250 and PGK 250 we gave to the boys." The impact of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme on Lesley's life is visible. It has provided him with the knowledge and resources to succeed and the motivation to keep expanding. "I plan to expand my fishponds this year," Lesley says. "The support and advice from the EU-STREIT PNG Programme have been invaluable." His determination to improve his family's life and his willingness to share his success with his community exemplify the transformative power of the Programme. Lesley’s story is a testament to how vision, hard work, and the right support can lead to remarkable change. His journey from an electrician to a successful fish farmer and a future fish-business operator is an inspiration, showcasing the potential for growth and prosperity in Papua New Guinea’s rural communities. As Lesley continues to expand his business, he dreams of an even brighter future, not just for his family but for all those around him.