October 2, 2023
News
For Nicholas, finding a job in Zambia is almost an unachievable dream. Although he was born in Zambia, he is still considered a refugee. That is because his parents originally come from the Democratic Republic of Congo, from where they fled in search for safety. They found a safe haven in Zambia, where their son was born. Thanks to the support from Caritas Czech Republic and UNHCR, Nicholas now has his own workshop where he repairs refrigerators.
Making living with his own hands
We visit Nicholas in his small workshop in the wider centre of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. This is where Nicholas has lived since birth with his family. In the small shop he rents from a relative, he has several larger or smaller fridges and the tools he needs to repair them. Not long ago, he did not even know what each tool was for.
"I attended a six-month vocational training thanks to Caritas Czech Republic. I learned how to repair refrigerators and now I earn a living thanks to this skill,” smiles the young man. "I also got a little financial support from Caritas Czech Republic to get started, which enabled me to rent this workshop," Nicholas says gratefully, pointing behind him to the modest shop where he repairs fridges and freezers.
Nicholas lives with his parents and two brothers in Lusaka, almost two hours away from his work place. Yet he spends every day in his workshop, including weekends. ”I enjoy my work and I am grateful to Caritas Czech Republic for making it possible for me to learn how to repair refrigerators,” says Nicholas and reveals his plans for the future. If all goes well, he wants to buy his own workshop so he does not have to rent the space.
Part of the six-month vocational training Nicholas attended, thanks to the support of Caritas Czech Republic, was the preparation of a business plan. The young refugee learned what it takes to set up his own business, how to keep track of his finances and where to find customers. Today, he says, they come to him mainly on referrals. "I have repaired fridges for a few people and they were happy with me, so they recommended me to their friends," Nicholas says happily.
Supporting refugees to stand on their own feet
There are currently up to 80,000 refugees living in Zambia. They have fled here mainly from countries like Angola, Burundi and Rwanda. By far the largest number of refugees come from the Democratic Republic of Congo, like Nicholas' family. They have fled to Zambia to escape bloody violence and instability, as well as devastating poverty.
Although Zambia is a safe haven for refugees, it is hard for them to make a living in the country. Whether because of government restrictions or because of the difficult conditions in the places where the refugee camps are located. Caritas Czech Republic is supporting refugees like Nicholas to get an education and learn a skill so they can earn an income and stand on their own two feet.
Caritas Czech Republic celebrates ten years of work in Zambia in 2023. We help in Zambia in a wide range of areas. From helping refugees to supporting farmers in adapting to climate change to fighting malnutrition.
We are helping refugees in Zambia thanks to the financial support of UNHCR.
