Joshua.

I do not want my children to
grow up living as refugees.

Before I became a refugee, my life in the Democratic Republic of Congo was very different.

My name is Joshua, I am 40 years old, a farmer, a pastor, a husband, and a father of 8 children. I live with my family in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda.

Before I became a refugee, my life in the Democratic Republic of Congo was very different. I farmed vegetables, raised chickens, and worked as a driver. Through my efforts, I was able to buy two motorbikes and have two houses. One was for my family, and the other I rented out.

Joshua walks next to his fish farm, wearing wellies and a chequered shirt. .

Looking back at how I became a refugee brings back many memories.

When the war began, I became a target. People saw the progress I was making and targeted me because of it. I was also targeted because I was helping the Pygmy community, a marginalised community living in poor conditions and rejected by society. I was helping their families rise out of poverty, supporting them with education and food, and to become self-reliant.

I felt unsafe and lived in constant fear.

I survived being shot at and they attacked my family. It became too dangerous to stay. I fled with my wife, children, and two younger siblings.

To this day, I do not know what happened to my parents and some of my younger siblings.

Joshua cradles a photograph of his parents in his hands.

This photo is extremely meaningful to me - more than money.

I can earn money, but I cannot recover the people in this photo. We were separated, and I don’t know if they are alive or have passed away.

I keep it safe because I may never see my parents again.

Arriving in Uganda in 2017, we faced many difficulties. Assistance was never enough. I worried about food, school fees, and shelter.

After meeting Opportunity International and receiving their training in business, I was able to apply for a loan and start my own business. I returned to farming and started livestock rearing.

The training opened my mind.

The programme gave me the confidence and strength to believe that wherever I am, I can make a living. I could achieve more and transform the course of my life.

Even when I face difficulties, I now know how to get back on my feet and keep moving forward.

Joshua stands in his farm wearing wellies and a chequered shirt.
Joshua works in his fish farm, his legs mostly submerged in the water and big trees border the water.
Joshua prepares to spray his crops.
Joshua sprays his crops, protecting them from pests.
Joshua and his wife walk hand in hand.
Joshua meets with his church members during an evening gathering.
Joshua sits and sings with some of his church members during an evening gathering.

I learned the importance of not staying isolated. Many refugees are struggling, and I realised we could come together.

I started a savings group called “Let’s lift each other.” I taught them about how you can save little by little and build something that will support them in the future.

We save together and lend money to members so that they can invest in their businesses. I also taught them to not be afraid of banks and how they could benefit from them.

Together, as a group functioning like a family, we support each other through every challenge.

Joshua works on his fish farm

Challenges remain. Climate change affects my harvests, illness disrupts budgets, and theft can undo months of work.

When challenges come, I am grateful for the lessons I learned through Opportunity. I see a challenge as a friend - I know I must overcome it to achieve my goals.

My dream is to expand my farm, buy more land, and increase my livestock. I want to raise fish, chickens, and pigs to help address food insecurity in my community.

Today, all of my children are in school. At home, we no longer struggle for food and we have a proper place to live with the children.

Joshua sits with his wife and children.

My main goal is to ensure my children do not grow up living as refugees. I want them to grow up knowing how to be independent and self-reliant in their lives.

Every day, I continue working not only for my family but also for the community around me.

I believe that even after displacement, it is possible to start again, grow stronger, and create a better future.

 

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