Meet Cleo
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My name is Cleo and I was born in the heart of Africa. Though I am originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), I wasn't able to call it home for long. What I remember most from my childhood in Congo is that so many people struggle there. Due to conflict, much of the population lives in extreme poverty and unemployment is high there. Most families where I used to stay were unable to afford even just one meal a day. Things such as community centres, libraries, and healthcare were very difficult to find. Of the hospitals that were around many lacked beds, medicine, and proper medical equipment. The schools that did exist were so poorly resourced, mostly I learned without books from classes held under trees. I remember that not many people were able to make time for school due to the lack of peace and forced fighting around us. When I was young, my family was taken from me by war. Education was almost impossible for me to access due to conflict and poverty. Fighting that seemed would never end forced me to leave DRC in search of a better future. |
My journey from Congo was long and difficult. Some parts I don't remember well because I was just a child then. Other parts I wish I could forget. After some time traveling I found myself in Zambia. Alone and frightened, I was found hungry and homeless. Social services brought me to an orphanage because I had nowhere else to go. It was there I began to find my way back into school.
Life in Zambia seemed better than in Congo for a lot of reasons, but it was still hard. I didn't speak English or any of the local Zambian languages when I arrived so it took time to be able to communicate with people. When I finally had the opportunity to enroll in secondary school my main goal was to work hard and change my situation. I used to spend sleepless nights studying so that I would earn good scores in school. I have always hoped to continue with my studies and so I knew when I was young that I had to work hard.
I completed Grade 12 and graduate from Cambridge Curriculum O Levels at the end of 2018. Finishing school was one of the best moments in my life. Because of my background and home situation all my life, I had often wondered if I would manage to complete secondary school. But Modzi made my dream a reality by supporting my schooling.
After completing Grade 12, I was keen to find work and begin saving for university studies. Eager to support myself, I searched everywhere for a job. I was hoping that someone would see from my hard work and success in school that I could also work hard for them. But finding such opportunity was very difficult given the situation in Zambia. Most people here struggle to find work and those who are able to find work don't make much money. I questioned why things were still so challenging for me. I also continued to learn how being a refugee can make such things more difficult. Still, my search for a better life has continued.
I have been a refugee for almost 10 years now. Still, I am waiting to find where I belong. And still, what I desire is to continue with my education. At times it feels like my dream of completing university may never happen. But then I remember all that I have been through in life and all of those who have encouraged me along the way. I know that I will make it. I know that my journey is my own. And I know that I will work as hard as I possibly can to make my dream of attending university become my reality.
Life in Zambia seemed better than in Congo for a lot of reasons, but it was still hard. I didn't speak English or any of the local Zambian languages when I arrived so it took time to be able to communicate with people. When I finally had the opportunity to enroll in secondary school my main goal was to work hard and change my situation. I used to spend sleepless nights studying so that I would earn good scores in school. I have always hoped to continue with my studies and so I knew when I was young that I had to work hard.
I completed Grade 12 and graduate from Cambridge Curriculum O Levels at the end of 2018. Finishing school was one of the best moments in my life. Because of my background and home situation all my life, I had often wondered if I would manage to complete secondary school. But Modzi made my dream a reality by supporting my schooling.
After completing Grade 12, I was keen to find work and begin saving for university studies. Eager to support myself, I searched everywhere for a job. I was hoping that someone would see from my hard work and success in school that I could also work hard for them. But finding such opportunity was very difficult given the situation in Zambia. Most people here struggle to find work and those who are able to find work don't make much money. I questioned why things were still so challenging for me. I also continued to learn how being a refugee can make such things more difficult. Still, my search for a better life has continued.
I have been a refugee for almost 10 years now. Still, I am waiting to find where I belong. And still, what I desire is to continue with my education. At times it feels like my dream of completing university may never happen. But then I remember all that I have been through in life and all of those who have encouraged me along the way. I know that I will make it. I know that my journey is my own. And I know that I will work as hard as I possibly can to make my dream of attending university become my reality.
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