FACILITATING HOPE FOR REFUGEE YOUTH TO FIND TECHNOLOGY JOBS

Patrick, 28, fled the Democratic Republic of Congo over 15 years ago and he has known no other life but that of Nyabiheke refugee camp in the Eastern part of Rwanda in Gatsibo district. Patrick has a family of three and just like many refugees around the world, he struggles to fend for his loved ones. Patrick is one of the refugee youths who have been undergoing a coding skills training for more than 2 years, since 2019. Organised by UNHCR in collaboration with its partner, Alight, an NGO working across Rwanda’s refugee camps, the training aims to equip the refugee community with the knowledge and skills that would offer them a world of opportunities, to not only better their lives, but also make a huge contribution to their host communities and Rwanda’s transformation journey in general. In Nyabiheke refugee camp, with so much celebration, dance and jubilation, Patrick was one of the 10 refugee youths who graduated with a certificate in coding skills.

“Coding has changed my life. I got an occupation, and I can earn some money to support my family” said Patrick with a wide smile on his face.

Patrick is working on an idea dubbed “Health Center Management System,” and it is meant to help record data at health facilities. Based on this passion and since completing the coding school, Patrick has been recruited by ALIGHT, who also run the health center in Nyabiheke refugee camp, as a volunteer to manage the platform used to record data at the camp-based health center. In addition to refugees, the coding school was also opened to Rwandans who were living in villages bordering Nyabiheke refugee camp bringing the two communities closer. After graduation, three out of the ten members of the first cohort have already secured jobs within the technology sector, Patrick included, while the rest already have a sense of hope to find work, as they build their portfolios. The difference in salary that this opportunity will afford refugees like Patrick is substantial. On average, refugees could earn up to five times more than an average salary and are much more likely to find employment with such coding skills.