June 1, 2023
News
Over 100,000 refugees have found refuge in Zambia. The vast majority of them have fled war and violence in neighbouring countries. As did Francesca's family 30 years ago (her name was changed for security reasons). Thanks to the help of Caritas Czech Republic, Francesca studied at university and became a pharmacist. We met the smiling Francesca in a small pharmacy on the outskirts of the Zambian capital Lusaka, where she told us her story.
WHERE IS MY HOME: MORE STORIES
Education opens doors
When Francesca's family arrived in Zambia, she was just a few years old. They first lived in the Northern Province and when she started university, Francesca moved to Lusaka. Getting an education is not easy for refugees and their children in Zambia because of the unequal conditions and high costs. Without financial support, her family could not afford to study. “Caritas Czech republic covered the cost of my scholarship, as well as accommodation and other necessary expenses. I really appreciate this support," Francesca says gratefully. Although she graduated from the university without much difficulty, she faced a challenging time during her studies. "I lost both my parents during my studies," says Francesca, tears welling up in her eyes at the memory.
Today, Francesca works as a pharmacist, just as she dreamed she would, and believes her parents would be proud of her. The mother of two young sons (1.5 and 4 years old) commutes two hours to the pharmacy every day. She is happy that she got the opportunity to study, which opened the door to self-sufficiency.
"As refugees, we face a number of disadvantages. The only chance we have is in education," Francesca explains the situation of refugees in Zambia. "Education can change your perspective in life, make you realise your own worth and of course opens many doors. So for anyone who could be thinking of whether education is the way to go or not, and for refugees in that matter, the answer is definitely yes, it is the way to go. It just changes everything,” she adds.
In the future, Francesca would like to leave her position as an employee and instead open her own pharmacy. "And maybe one day I could open my own medical centre,” Francesca says with hope in her voice.
How Caritas Czech Republic supports refugees in Zambia
Zambia is home to over 105,000 refugees, mostly from countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Burundi and Rwanda. Due to government restrictions, it is difficult for them to find work, especially in the refugee settlements where there are fewer opportunities than in the big cities.
Caritas Czech Republic, together with the UNHCR, is supporting refugees in Zambia to study at university and become self-sufficient, as Francesca has done. We also support refugees to learn a skill and set up their own business. We provide training to refugee farmers so that they can harvest more crops despite the climate changes that are hitting Zambia hard.
