WHAT WE DO
Vocational Trainingfor Refugees
£3 can empower a refugee person with the work skills to better their lives.
Current Appeal
Refugees are resilient people with immense potential.
They don’t want to remain as outsiders, dependent on aid agencies. They want the opportunities to begin a new life earning and contributing to society in their host country.
At Kafel Aid, we work with refugee communities, providing people with the training and opportunities they need to start over.
STORIES OF SUCCESS
FATIMA’S SUCCESS
Fatima is a single mother, earning a halal income as a seamstress. She took part in a four-month tailoring and embroidery course run by one of our partner organisations in Djibouti. Fatima developed her sewing skills and learned local crafts and production techniques. Upon completing the programme, all the graduates received sewing machines.
When she started working, Fatima excelled, and word of her reputation spread quickly. The clothes she tailored for women and children were highly prized, which raised demand for her products in the community.
Although she doesn’t have a shop, Fatima runs a successful business from her home. Today she’s able to afford electricity and has even had a wall built around her house.
Current Appeal
HOW WE WORK
We take into account the aspirations and existing skills of the individuals we train, customising programmes to align with their interests as well as the local job market. We equip them with the skills they need to contribute to work sectors facing labour shortages.
When refugees are able to develop themselves in the areas they possess genuine passion and potential, it increases their chances of success. To date, we’ve empowered 370 refugees to pursue sustainable livelihoods.
STORIES OF SUCCESS
Noor’s Empowerment
Noor Muhammad Hamad was unemployed and couldn’t support her family because of financial difficulties. But all this changed when she completed a 4-month training programme at Kafel Aid’s Sanabel Training Centre in Djibouti. She learnt sewing, embroidery, and clothing design, as well as skills that enabled her to make tools and other local products. The hands-on training empowered Noor by giving her the confidence to practise her craft so she could generate a sustainable income.
She received a training certificate as well as a sewing machine when she qualified. Armed with her new skills, she was able to get a job at a clothing factory and pursue a career in clothing design and production. But that’s not all! Enterprising Noor also started a small workshop at home using her newly acquired sewing machine to earn an additional income.
Now, thanks to her job and small business, Noor has changed her life and that of her family for the better – they are financially stable and enjoy improved living conditions. She is grateful to Kafel Aid for providing her with the opportunity to learn a profession that transformed her life.
STORIES OF SUCCESS
Jaber’s Dreams Fulfilled
Jaber Mustafa Malik is a great example of how self-belief coupled with a little help can transform lives. Jaber is from North Kordofan in Sudan and was very grateful to Allah (SWT) that he was able to enrol in a carpentry training course funded by Kafel Aid. The 2-month course taught him how to make and repair furniture. It also gave him invaluable hands-on experience and technical skills including wood joinery, how to connect wood with iron and even how to source good quality timber for different uses.
Jaber’s newfound skills gave him confidence and spurred him on to achieve even more. He enrolled at university but still pursued carpentry to earn an income while studying. He would take on small jobs at home like repairing broken chairs and also refurbishing buffet tables and other furniture items at restaurants and companies in his area.
But Jaber wasn’t done dreaming big. He approached his benefactors with the idea of launching a large workshop where people like him could enhance their skills. He believes that having access to a workspace would encourage continuous learning and the acquisition of advanced skills and techniques.
Nowadays, Jaber is studying and working as a painter in homes and businesses, grateful to Allah (SWT) and the donors who helped make his dreams come true. He plans to continue improving himself by completing his university education, learning new skills and techniques and working hard at his part-time job. He also wants to give back to society and inspire others to pursue their dreams through hard work and determination.
STORIES OF SUCCESS
Musa’s Gratitude
Eritrean refugee, Musa is grateful for the carpentry training he received at Kafel Aid’s training centre. He now runs a small business making and repairing furniture, allowing him to earn a sustainable and independent income.
The training has given him hope and fuelled his ambitions. He wants to continue learning and improving his skills, especially in woodturning and designing bed legs. Next on his wish list is to own a lathe machine to enhance his woodwork and become even more professional.
Musa is working hard to achieve his dream of opening a workshop to showcase and sell his creations, but that’s not all. With support from Kafel Aid and other organisations that can provide materials and resources, he would like to expand his own business and help other refugees develop and showcase their talents in a fully fitted exhibition space. By creating high-quality furniture items, they would contribute to the growth of the industry, while improving their lives and the lives of the people around them.
STORIES OF SUCCESS
Othman’s Vocational Training Changed His Life
Othman Hamd Ali is a refugee from Djibouti who was unemployed and struggled financially. But when he completed AC Maintenance Training at Kafel Aid, his life changed. He learnt how to maintain and service various types of air conditioners, learning about the different techniques, types of tools and the importance of adopting safety measures when working with ACs. Now, he has a regular income from repairing and maintaining air conditioners and can support himself and his family.
Othman is very grateful for the sponsored vocational training as refugees face many barriers to getting an education, not only financial. Being able to learn a skill that can earn an income is invaluable as it allows refugees to become independent. He and others like him who did similar vocational training courses are now self-reliant and can take care of their families. This kind of sustainable assistance is life-changing and much better than traditional aid in the long term.
Othman explained how Kafel Aid’s unique approach to helping young people like himself, also broadened his horizons and empowered him. He reaffirms our belief that if given the opportunity, people can rise above their circumstances to build better lives for themselves and their families.
