March 6, 2025
News
Only 19 years old, Elody comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where difficult life circumstances led her all the way to Zambia. Together with her sister, she was kidnapped by rebels who kept them in brutal conditions until they managed to escape. Today, in the Meheba refugee settlement, she runs her own small shop, takes care of her son, and inspires other women in her community. Her story shows that there is hope for a better life. Caritas Czech Republic played a part in helping her find that hope.
Fleeing violence and losing home
In the middle of the Meheba refugee settlement in Zambia stands a modest grocery shop. It is run by 19-year-old Elody, a single mother to a six-year-old son. Today, she smiles and seems content. But her journey has been anything but easy.
Elody comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where she faced a harsh fate at a very young age. As a result of the ongoing conflict in the Congo, her family was attacked. During the attack, her parents lost their lives, and Elody and her sister were kidnapped by rebels. “They took us as their wives. We had to do everything they demanded,” says Elody, tears in her eyes. “I knew that if we didn’t manage to escape, both of us would die there one day,” she adds.
The journey to a new life
Eventually, luck smiled on Elody and her sister. A stranger helped them escape and find safety in Zambia. During their flight, Elody did not know she was pregnant with the child of one of the kidnappers. “When we arrived in Zambia, I was holding my newborn son in my arms,” says Elody, recounting her story.
At that time, Elody was just thirteen years old. One of the women from the local community took her and her son under her wing. Thanks to this woman, and later thanks to Caritas Czech Republic, which offered her a helping hand, her life slowly began to change for the better.
Caritas Czech Republic provided Elody with financial support, which enabled her to start her own business. “With what I earn from my shop, I can pay for my son’s education and take care of myself. I feel beautiful because I can buy good food, skincare products, and nice clothes. And all of this is thanks to the support I received from Caritas Czech Republic,” says Elody with gratitude, who now earns up to 250 kwacha a day, approximately 200 CZK.
Although Elody lives a peaceful life today, the shadows of her past still occasionally catch up with her. “I feel safe in Zambia, but I still carry fear inside me. Fortunately, I am very busy with my business, so I don’t have much time to think about what happened to me. I go to church and pray that nothing like this ever happens again,” says Elody.
With her determination and courage, Elody has become an inspiration to other women and girls in her community. “Girls my age come to me and ask how I manage my business and my life,” Elody adds.
Caritas Czech Republic in Zambia
In cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Caritas Czech Republic supports refugees from countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Burundi, and Rwanda. We help women like Elody find firm ground under their feet again and start a new life free of fear.
