When forced to flee their homes, refugees leave much behind — but not everything. Their skills, knowledge, and resourcefulness remain with them and at the service of their desire to contribute productively to their new communities. 

Developing their talents and improving access to job opportunities is crucial — not only to earn a living or support their families, but also to express themselves, realise their full potential, and integrate peacefully in society. 

Ahmed and Semira: Perfume and incense shop 

Ahmed and his family arrived in Ethiopia in 2018, fleeing the war in Yemen, which he had fought in alongside his father, when he was between the ages of 13 and 15.  

The family managed to escape the war and found refuge in Addis Ababa, where Ahmed met Semira.  

Ahmed and Semira got married in 2021, and have two young children, aged one month and three years respectively.  

They live in the family home on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, where they began producing incense and perfumes. At first, the business operated on a small scale and was not enough to support the whole family. In July 2023, they met JRS, which offered both of them training in saving and business management, as well as an initial capital. With this support, the family has managed to expand their business and become wholesale suppliers. 

Their dream is to continue pursuing their studies, and move to another country, in order to offer themselves and their children the life they want.  

Lemlem and Isaac: Barber shop 

Lemlem and Isaac, respectively from Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), got married in 2014. They lived together in a refugee camp on the border with the DRC for several years, until the government allowed them to return to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

At first, their love faced challenges. Their communities did not immediately accept their union. However, over time, as people witnessed the strength of their bond, they came to embrace and bless their marriage. 

While in the camp, Isaac was already doing some barber work, which is why, once they left the refugee camp, they decided to continue the business together. 

Lemlem and Isaac took part in various vocational training courses with JRS, including business and savings training. Then, in 2023, they received a business loan that enabled them to purchase better equipment for their barbershop and increase their income, thus supporting their family and their child’s education, as well as helping the community by employing several young Ethiopians who now work alongside them.