April 30, 2026
News
Seth was born in a refugee camp in Zambia. His parents come from Rwanda. Therefore, in his childhood, he faced challenges his Zambian peers did not. When he grew up, he decided to study at university and applied for the DAFI Scholarship Programme, which Caritas Czech Republic, together with partners, has been implementing in the country since 2019. This way, we enable access to higher education for refugees living in settlements and urban areas, including Lusaka. The scholarship provides comprehensive support, including tuition, accommodation, and stipends, as well as mentoring and career guidance. Seth became one of 141 refugees who have received our support so far, and were able to study their desired field. These are their stories.
Family could support only one of two brothers
Seth has eight siblings. The family moved out of the refugee camp when he was four years old. They settled in Lusaka, where his father worked as a bus driver and then opened a small shop. According to Seth, it was challenging to manage the business, and his father had to shut the shop down after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Photo: Seth
When he grew up, he wanted to study finance while his brother’s dream was medicine. However, the family could support only one son. Which is why both brothers applied for the DAFI programme. Only Seth was chosen at the end, and the scholarship significantly eased his studies.
Before Caritas helped me, it was a bit hard for me to focus on my studies. Because I also had to think about raising money for everything else. Thanks to Caritas, it was easier for my family because they gave us monthly support for food and everything was catered for, so I could just focus on my education,
Seth explains. He has already concluded his studies, just like 64 other students who were chosen for the programme. Thanks to the comprehensive support that we provide, the students are able to concentrate fully on their university responsibilities. In 2024, the programme recorded an 88% pass rate, and in 2025, a 100% pass rate, with no student having to repeat a course in the second semester. Seth would like to stay in school and gain a master’s degree as well.
They want to study to help their community
Apart from refugees from Rwanda, the programme also helps refugees from Burundi, Somalia, Angola or the Democratic Republic of Congo, where three students – Kisimba, Nkulimba and Rebecca – come from.
They fled to Zambia together with their families, who remain in the refugee camp in Mantapala. Thanks to the DAFI programme, they received a scholarship for studying food production and general hospitality.
I like the DAFI programme. I remember when I came here, it was very difficult to speak with anyone because of the language barrier. But I appreciate that they gave us a teacher who can teach us the language,
Kisimba shares. Nkulimba and Rebecca also agree that English is their main challenge, as they are still learning it.
Photo: Kisimba, Nkulimba, Rebecca
Rebecca and Kisimba also have a similar plan for their future. Just like many other individuals reached, they would like to help their refugee community. They both are planning to return to the camp in Mantapala and teach the local community how to cook. “Most of them don’t know how to cook properly, and I want to help them and teach them some skills,” Rebecca says and adds:
Without Caritas Czech Republic, I would not be here. They also helped me with my living costs, where to buy food, where to stay. I am really grateful.
He worked for Caritas first, then he received a scholarship
Another student from the Democratic Republic of Congo is Damien, who studies computer science. Unlike others, he fled to Zambia alone in 2019. He has not been in touch with his family since then. He has no information about the fate of his parents and four siblings.
When he first came to Zambia, he stayed in a transit centre in Makeni. Then he spent two years in a refugee camp. Later, he began working for Caritas Czech Republic. As our colleague, he became a part of the team that informed the young refugees about scholarship opportunities.
Photo: Damien
My task was to supervise workshops, take records of the meetings and plan activities. I worked in the office for one year and a half. That is when I came across the opportunity to apply as well. I was given a chance to study,
Damien describes his experience and shares that computer science has always been his dream. In his free time, he enjoys playing instruments and reading.
Photo: Damien interviewed by Caritas Czech Republic
More about the DAFI Scholarship Programme
The DAFI Scholarship Programme has made a meaningful contribution to enhancing self-reliance among refugees and their families. Caritas Czech Republic is implementing it in the country together with UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the programme is funded by the Federal Government of Germany.
Beyond academic achievement, the programme also promotes community engagement. For instance, during World Refugee Day commemorations, DAFI medical students set up a stand during the event to offer free medical check-ups to the public.
While graduates continue to face challenges and labour market competition, a growing number of them are beginning to secure opportunities in both government institutions and the private sector. Many students we have supported actively give back through volunteer work in refugee settlements and host communities, often contributing as volunteer teachers or community workers.
In addition, around 200 non-DAFI students have been assisted with study permits, which has further expanded access to university education for refugees beyond direct scholarship beneficiaries.
