The Beginning of the Journey
When I fled my home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, I carried more than just hope and memories with me. Arriving in Uganda’s Nakivale Refugee Settlement was not only the beginning of my new life as a refugee, filled with uncertainty, but also the beginning of something I could not yet foresee. Back home I had studied a bit of Information Technology (IT) in a French-language system. Being in a place where even having a computer was difficult, I wondered if those skills would ever matter again.
With time, life started to change as Nakivale started connecting to the digital world. Internet cafés started to appear, young people shared phones, and online learning platforms became a window to something bigger. For me, digitalization was not just about technology, it was about finding my path again.
I started learning English as a second language and built on what I had once studied. I learned to communicate across cultures, coordinate youth and community projects, and use digital tools to reach people. The internet became my classroom, my meeting room, and my bridge to opportunity.
Turning Point
My turning point came when I connected with Finnish Refugee Council. Their approach to empowering refugees through education and digital skills—building knowledge, skills, and livelihood opportunities—opened a door I had never imagined. With FRC’s support, I began working as an Online Coordinator at the Rubondo Dieter Aminoff Youth Center in Nakivale. This position enabled me to support others in the settlement by facilitating selected online courses, listening to their ideas, and helping them connect to opportunities beyond Nakivale.
In this role, I’ve seen how digitalization can transform lives. Refugees who once felt isolated can now attend online courses, promote small businesses, and gain new skills to improve their livelihood. I have seen how using a smartphone can open a world of possibilities if people are given the right support and guidance.
FRC’s work shows that integration is not only about living in a new country, but also about having the skills and access to take part in the digital world. Each training session, each message sent, each person who learns to navigate online tools it all adds up to stronger, more independent communities.
When I look back and see how far I’ve come, I am proud. I came from being a refugee with uncertain dreams to a digital coordinator helping others find their dreams. My story is just one example of what can happen when digitalization meets opportunity and when an organization like FRC believes in the potential of every person, no matter where their story begins.
Lwaboshi Chris
Online Coordinator, Nakivale, Uganda
