September 21, 2023
News
For people in disadvantaged regions, mastering a craft is a path to financial self-sufficiency. In places dealing with the impacts of war, it is a significant contributor to their reconstruction. For example, a welding workshop in Iraq, a restaurant in a refugee settlement in Zambia or a traditional jewellery shop in Georgia have all been created thanks to our help.
Caritas Czech Republic supports the development of small businesses as an effective tool to help people worldwide get on their feet once and for all. And it is not just about individuals. Many of those who manage to start their own business thanks to Caritas' support, will gradually start employing other people. This will permanently support their whole community. There are countless stories of successful tradespeople helping their communities to grow. How exactly does it work? Read the stories of successful craftspeople from around the world.
From a refugee to a workshop owner
Nicholas was born in Zambia, yet he has refugee status there. His parents came from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they fled bloody violence. As a child of refugees, he had almost no chance to find work and support himself. He could only do so thanks to the support from Caritas Czech Republic. Today, Nicholas has his own workshop in Lusaka, where he repairs refrigerators. "I took part in a six-month course facilitated by Caritas. I trained as a fridge repairer, and now I know how to do it," smiles the young man. "I also got a little financial support to get started, which enabled me to rent this workshop," Nicholas says gratefully, pointing behind him to the modest business where he repairs fridges and freezers.
Part of the six-month course Nicholas attended, thanks to Caritas' support, included the development of a business plan. The young man learnt what it takes to set up his own business, how to keep an eye on his finances and where to find customers. Today, he says, they come to him mainly by referral. "I repaired a fridge for a couple of people, and they were happy with me, so they recommended me to their friends," Nicholas says.
She lost a job in the pandemic, now she is a renowned gardener
Starting their own business is not easy for women in Iraq. Especially not in the conservative region of Anbar, where Tasneem, a mother of three, is from. Although she has loved plants since childhood, her parents sent her to study mathematics. She subsequently worked as a kindergarten teacher but lost her job during the coronavirus pandemic. "I thought I might try selling plants," says Tasneem. "I cleared out a small corner of my home and started growing and selling plants. But it bothered me that customers would come to my house, and I had limited space," she adds.
Tasneem got involved in the Caritas' small business support programme. She attended a business skills course and subsequently received a small grant to start her business. She found a small plot of land, landscaped and fenced, and built a garden house. She then bought plants and pots and got to work. Today, she runs a successful gardening business with customers from far and wide. Tasneem was also the first in the region to start selling indoor plants. "I learn from videos on the internet how to take care of plants and how to propagate and grow them. My husband has also joined in running the garden shop," she says proudly. Tasneem also trains other girls on how to grow plants so that they can start their own similar business. "My life has completely changed. I have gained confidence and feel more free," she adds.
After ISIS left, he could not find work. Now, he employs three people himself
Thirty-seven-year-old Meethaq had to flee his hometown of Heet in 2014 to escape the self-proclaimed Islamic State. Before the war, he worked as a welder. "During the ISIS' rule, I tried to take any job that came up. I have three children to provide for," says Meethaq.
After the fall of ISIS, Meethaq returned home, but jobs were scarce. He decided to open his own welding shop, but he did not have the money to equip it or the knowledge of how to run a business. When he heard about Caritas' support for Iraqi tradesmen, he did not hesitate for a second. "I immediately applied. I took part in a ten-day business skills training course and learnt a lot of useful things," says Meethaq.
He also received a small grant from the Caritas, and bought equipment for his welding workshop. His business is thriving, and he has no shortage of customers. Meethaq's workshop creates doors, railings, fences, gates, and shelving for Iraqi shops. Customers are satisfied with his work and do not hesitate to recommend him further. Meetaq then manages to provide for his family and employs three people in his workshop. This gives work to other locals in a region scarred by protracted conflicts.
Successful restaurant in a refugee settlement
It is difficult to find a living in refugee settlements, far from big cities and job opportunities. Thanks to Caritas Czech Republic, refugees and people from host communities can open their own small businesses in the settlements, like Namenda, who, as a passionate cook, runs a successful small restaurant. But the beginnings were not easy. Namenda had the best professional background as a culinary training graduate. But she had no idea how to run a business. Everything changed when she attended a business course organised by Caritas.
"We were taught how to start and run a business. I also got a loan from Caritas, and when I added our savings, I got started," says Namenda. Although she still faces various difficulties, her restaurant is thriving. She is particularly worried about the electricity problem and the fact that it is impossible to get spice, for example, in the refugee settlement. She has to have it imported from the capital, eight hours away.
Thanks to her restaurant, Namenda has become one of the people who offers employment to others. She has three employees in her restaurant. "I love my job because I like preparing food for other people. I make sure that I cook quality food that people like to eat. I'm glad they appreciate it and like it here," Namenda says happily.
MORE STORIES OF SUCCESSFUL CRAFTSPEOPLE
