Managing two jobs, university studies, a business and taking care of one’s family is very tricky. Especially when you’re a refugee in a new country and you are all alone. Vestine, however, shows that even in the hardest situations, there is hope. Caritas Czech Republic helped Vestine fulfill her dreams.
Running away from home
Vestine fled her home country, Rwanda, when she was only four years old. However, the memories are still very alive in her head. “I was four but I vividly remember what was happening there, how people were killing each other and fighting,” she says with sad eyes.
Maybe these memories are also one of the reasons why Vestine always dreamt of working in the health sector. And her dream came true - she now works as a medical officer in two places in Zambia. Nevertheless, it doesn’t end there. Vestine is also studying Management of Public Health at a university.
How Vestine got back on her feet
Vestine went through hell in her life. “After my father passed, it wasn’t easy and it felt like my whole life was falling apart,” she says. Nonetheless, everything changed for the better and the young woman does not have to worry anymore. “I thought that the passing of my father was the end of the world, until I met Grace who acquainted me with Caritas.”
Vestine received financial aid and was able to achieve another of her dreams – starting her own business. “Caritas helped me a lot, I don’t know how my story would go without their help,” she adds.
Opening her own restaurant
Vestine successfully graduated from Caritas’ business course and opened her very own restaurant. “I wanted to do more in my life, to make sure I’m supported. I dreamt of my own restaurant but before I discovered Caritas, I had no idea how to do such thing. Caritas taught me how to lead a business, how to do reports, keep books and other administrative things. It really helped me,” says Vestine.
“My dream is to have a stable life. When you can say to yourself great, I am not stressed. I have a home; my children get education. It’s not easy but I try to do my best,” Vestine adds.
Caritas Czech Republic in Zambia
We have been working in Zambia since 2013. Our local branch now has more than 200 employees who are helping vulnerable people in Zambia to get back on their own two feet. Like in the case of Vestine.