By GHDF Communications | Success Stories

In the heart of a refugee camp, amidst the aftermath of war and personal loss, Jacqueline KAZUNGU a young disabled Congolese mother of three found a path to empowerment. With support from GHDF’s livelihood trainings, she transformed her life from dependence to self-reliance. This is her story of courage, resilience, and hope.

“I would not have been here without the help of GHDF.”

Jacqueline Kazungu, a Congolese refugee, sits quietly under a tree at the GHDF field office. Her voice is calm, her presence strong.

“I have a very long story,” she begins, eyes closed, gently shaking her head from side to side. “Though I’m still young, I’m already a mother of three. Two of them were born here in the refugee camp.”

Jacqueline’s life changed forever when civil war struck her home country. The violence left her with a permanent disability and shattered dreams of completing her education.

“My life became even more puzzling when I fled the country,” she says, her voice tinged with pain. “I had no money, no skills… I didn’t even know what to do. I was just depending on UNHCR to survive.”

Finding Light in the Darkness

Hope came in the form of GHDF’s Livelihood Program. Through a series of trainings focused on skill-building and self-confidence, Jacqueline began to see new possibilities.

“My hope was revived after attending different livelihood trainings from GHDF,” she says with a bright smile. “They taught me how to believe in myself and grab opportunities both in the camp and within the local people arround the camp.”

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KAZUNGU is among the may refugees who benefited from livelihood project implemented by Global Humanitarian and Development Foundation with the support of the American Embassy’s Julia Taft Fund. She learned tailoring, small business management, and personal development.

“I was taught to love myself again,” Jacqueline explains. “To be strong not just for me, but for my children too.”

Building a New Life, Stitch by Stitch

Today, Jacqueline owns a small tailoring workshop inside the camp. With every piece she sews, she’s building a better life. She’s also a proud member of Twizerane Savings Group which is comprised of refugees trained in defferent livelhood skills, where she saves 2,000 Frw weekly and contributes 200 Frw to a social fund.

“Even though UNHCR reduced some of the support we used to receive, I can now support myself. I’m able to meet some of my basic needs.” she uttered with full of hope in her face.

Her dreams are no longer just about survival.

“I now have a vision for my children’s future. I want them to go to school and succeed. GHDF helped me realize what I’m capable of.” Jacqueline’s story is one of resilience, strength, and empowerment. She closes her story with a heartfelt message:

“I am so thankful that GHDF helped me change my life. Now I know I can be strong for myself and for others.”

GHDF continues to support refugees like Jacqueline through life skills, business development, and community-building programs.

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