January 16, 2025
News
76-year-old Jerome from Zambia has been coping with the effects of glaucoma, which robbed him of his sight, for the past 13 years. Despite this, he has not lost his zest for life or determination. Today, he works as a trustee of a food processing centre in the Meheba refugee settlement, where his attitude inspires others to live life to the fullest despite obstacles. The centre, which helps people secure their livelihoods, operates with the support of Caritas Czech Republic.
Centre full of life and stories
In the heart of the Meheba refugee settlement stands a building resembling a large barn, constantly buzzing with the sounds of working machines. The noise is so intense that it drowns out any attempt at conversation. Inside, everyone is deeply focused on their tasks. However, as soon as the workers spot us, their machines fall silent, and they greet us with warm smiles.
Among them is 76-year-old Jerome, who was eager to share his story with us and shed light on the journey that has shaped the centre into what it is today.
The story of the centre began in 2014 when a group of refugees from Angola and local Zambians joined a Caritas Czech Republic programme as a savings group. Savings groups operate like village banks, aiming to improve the financial situation of people in remote parts of Zambia.
Two years later, the group registered as a cooperative and gained the opportunity to run a food processing centre known as The Value Addition Centre.
Today, the centre has a total of 40 members who are involved in processing and packaging rice, producing peanut butter, and pressing sunflower oil. They also take orders for delicious honey and engage in poultry farming. Their products are sold to farmers within the Meheba refugee settlement as well as at local markets, enabling them to support themselves and their families.
I have learned to live with my impairment, says Jerome
Jerome is the heart and soul of the centre. Thanks to his reliability and dedication, he works as the trustee, ensuring the smooth operation of the facility and its adjoining storage area. "I love my work," Jerome says proudly. Despite having two grown children, the centre's members feel like a second family to him.
However, Jerome's life has not always been easy. In 2012, he was diagnosed with glaucoma, which almost cost him his vision. "I am completely blind in my right eye. With my left eye, I can see shadows and outlines against the sun, but I can’t tell if it’s a person or an animal. Over the years, I’ve learned to live with it," Jerome explains. Despite his limitations, he remains full of life and inspires those around him through his work.
Caritas Czech Republic in Zambia
For over a decade, Caritas Czech Republic has been improving the lives of people in Zambia. In collaboration with various partners, such as the Czech Development Agency and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), we focus on empowering refugees and vulnerable communities by providing skills training and livelihood support.
Our efforts help individuals establish sustainable businesses and improve their employment prospects, fostering self-reliance and long-term development.
Thanks to our support Caroline could start her own poultry business and farmer Jean built a cassava processing business.
