1- Life in Burundi: A Teacher and a Community Leader
Judith's story begins in Burundi, where she spent most of her adult life as a primary school teacher, working with children aged between six and fifteen. During her 35-year teaching career, she not only taught but also served as headmistress, earning the respect and admiration of her peers and students alike. Her leadership extended beyond the classroom, as she was deeply involved in her community, particularly through her work with a cooperative that helped build agricultural infrastructure. Despite her demanding role as an educator, Judith also ran a small food business. Thus, her departure from Burundi was a heartfelt choice to prioritize her family's well-being in challenging circumstances.
Judith’s arrival in Belgium was far from easy. After a perilous journey, she found herself in the Fraipont Red Cross Refugee Centre, where she spent eight difficult months. Life in the centre was isolating and challenging for someone who had once been a respected leader in her community. The emotional toll of being separated from her children and husband weighed heavily on her, and she struggled with both her mental and physical health. Indeed, as a diabetic, the food provided at the centre was unsuitable for Judith’s condition, leaving her vulnerable to severe health issues. With only €9 per week in financial support, she could not afford the specific foods or medications she needed to manage her diabetes. Despite the dire circumstances, Judith remained determined to find a path forward.
2- A New Beginning: The Power of Education and Community Support
Judith’s turning point came when she learned about the possibility of pursuing training and education while living in Belgium. Although she discovered this opportunity too late to join the regular September enrolment, she eventually connected with an organization called "Le Monde des Possibles" in Liège. This NGO specializes in helping migrant women gain the skills and knowledge necessary for entrepreneurship and employment. Judith enrolled in the WOW (WOmen knoW) program, a six-month course designed to help women like her build confidence and learn how to navigate the Belgian job market.
The WOW program was life-changing for Judith. For the first time since leaving Burundi, she felt recognized for her skills and talents. The program offered practical training in areas such as commerce, job searching, and even computer literacy, which opened new doors for her. But perhaps the most impactful part of the program was its focus on self-esteem and personal development. After feeling powerless and disconnected for so long, Judith began to regain a sense of purpose. Her qualities as a teacher and community leader were once again acknowledged, and she felt empowered to dream and plan for the future.
As part of the WOW program, Judith also completed an internship at an NGO called "La Bobine," which manages a day-care centre. Working with children in a nurturing environment reminded her of the joy and fulfilment she once found in teaching back in Burundi. Each day she returned to the refugee centre with a renewed sense of accomplishment and pride.
3- Dreams and Challenges: The Road to Entrepreneurship
With the skills and confidence gained from the WOW program, Judith began to envision new possibilities for herself in Belgium. Initially, she dreamed of opening a day-care centre, a venture closely aligned with her previous work as a teacher. However, she soon realized that starting such a business would require local qualifications and certifications that she did not possess.
Undeterred, Judith shifted her focus to a second entrepreneurial idea: opening a business that would sell products from her home region in Burundi. While this idea excited her, she faced significant financial barriers. Starting such a business required substantial capital, and despite her determination, Judith lacked the resources to make her dream a reality. Still, she continues to research and explore ways to bring her vision to life, hoping to one day share a piece of her culture with her new community in Belgium.
Judith’s experience reflects the broader challenges faced by many migrant women in Belgium. She has observed that women, in particular, face multiple barriers when it comes to accessing education, training, and employment opportunities. Many women in the refugee centres have children and lack the means to enrol them in day-care, limiting their ability to attend classes or pursue job opportunities. Moreover, employers often discriminate against migrant women with children, assuming they will be unreliable due to their caregiving responsibilities.
Additionally, the refugee centres themselves are often located far from city centres, cutting residents off from important information and resources. Judith recalls feeling like she lost valuable time during her first eight months in Belgium, unaware of the opportunities available to her. Through her own experiences, Judith has become a vocal advocate for better support and resources for migrant women. She believes that refugee centres should do more to provide detailed information to new arrivals, helping them integrate more quickly into society. She also emphasizes the importance of creating more accessible day-care options and support systems for women with children, so they can pursue their own education and career goals.
Judith also highlights the housing crisis faced by refugees in Belgium. After receiving regularized status, many migrants are forced to leave the refugee centres but have nowhere to go. Landlords are often hesitant to rent to individuals without stable employment or proper documentation, creating a vicious cycle of homelessness and unemployment. Fortunately, Liège social tool CPAS have provided some financial assistance to migrants for rent, utilities, and other basic needs, for which Judith is incredibly grateful.
CONCLUSION
Despite the numerous challenges she has faced, she remains hopeful for the future. She continues to pursue her dream of opening her own business, while also advocating for other migrant women who face similar struggles. Judith's journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of education, community, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Written by Sofiane Youssef
