June 16, 2025
News
Escaping war and starting over in a foreign country is never easy. Ndaywel knows this firsthand — she fled the Democratic Republic of Congo with her husband and daughter. Although she had to leave most of her family and has been caring for her daughter with autism for a long time, she did not give up. With the help of Caritas Czech Republic, she has found a new meaning of life in sewing.
Escape to safety and a new beginning
Ndaywel comes from a family of nine, but she arrived in Zambia with only her husband and their thirteen-year-old daughter. They now live together in the Makeni Transit Centre in the capital city of Lusaka, where they are working to build a new life. Caring for her daughter with autism is demanding and takes up most of Ndaywel’s time, making it difficult for her to work full-time.
That i’s why she appreciated the opportunity to complete a sewing course provided by Caritas Czech Republic. Thanks to this new skill, she has become a seamstress, creating clothing for other refugees in the Makeni Transit Centre. Although caring for her daughter continues to consume much of her time and emotional energy, sewing not only provides Ndaywel with a source of income but also gives her a sense of purpose and independence.
"Thanks to Caritas Czech Republic, I have become more independent. I want to continue improving my skills and maybe one day open my own tailoring workshop," Ndaywel says with a smile. Her story is living proof that even in the most difficult circumstances, it is possible to find the strength and courage to start again.
Caritas Czech Republic provides long-term support to refugees in Zambia
Zambia is home to more than 100,000 refugees seeking a new beginning. Caritas Czech Republic is helping them to stand on their own feet. In Zambia, we provide vocational education, financial support, and promote the self-sufficiency of refugees.
Thanks to this assistance, many refugees have managed to build their own businesses — from hair salons and tailoring workshops to small restaurants. We also help young refugees pursue university studies through the DAFI scholarship programme.
Our support for refugees in Zambia is made possible through the financial assistance of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the generosity of donors who contribute to helping people in need.
