Wilikon, 31, arrived in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in 2014 with a small basket of tools to offer nail services. A skilled nail technician and all-round esthetician, he had been forced to flee his home in the Central African Republic (CAR) because of the escalating violence.

Now surrounded by nail polishes and products, Wilikon calmly and precisely does his clients’ nails in the red-walled interior of his shop, called “Olangerie 2.0.”

Leaving violence behind 

Due to a prolonged humanitarian crisis, marked by armed conflicts, political instability, and sectarian violence, many citizens of the Central African Republic, like Wilikon, have fled to neighbouring countries, with Cameroon being one of the main destinations. 

“I started out by walking the streets of Yaoundé, with a small basket of supplies to do people’s nails. Later, I attended school and graduated in 2022. After that, I did an internship, but there were few job opportunities in the country,” he commented. 

Making a life out of a passion 

JRS is present in Cameroon, where in close cooperation with the Regional Delegation for Employment and Vocational Training, offers certified vocational training and business start-up support to young people from both refugee and local communities. 

“I heard about this opportunity through a message from a refugee group I belong to, so I jumped at the chance. I gathered the necessary documents, submitted them, and was then selected. I attended a course on financial management and received a start-up kit for my business, along with support for the rent,”Wilikon said, and continued, “with the money I received, I found the space to set up my beauty salon, renovated it, and repainted the walls. Then, I registered the business with the local council, and every month I pay rent, electricity, and, taxes.” 

Wilikon’s business is thriving. He has built a strong and loyal client base; they always come  back to him.  

Shaping what’s next

Balancing work with evening classes in Communications and Marketing, Wilikon dreams of expanding his business and mentoring others. “The classes don’t interfere with my work here; I attend evening classes. I open every day and I close the shop just in time to go to class.”

He hopes to open another salon and train his siblings and other refugees so that they, too, can forge their own path.