March 8, 2025
News
Fleeing from conflict and starting anew in a foreign land is never easy. For Banza, a 33-year-old refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, life took an unexpected turn when war forced her to leave behind everything she knew. Arriving in Zambia ten years ago, she hoped for stability, but new challenges awaited her. Thanks to the support from Caritas Czech Republic, Banza was able to turn her passion for hairdressing into a flourishing business.
Turning hardship into opportunity
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has displaced millions of people, forcing many to seek safety in neighboring countries. Banza was one of them. After fleeing violence in her hometown, she and her family arrived in Zambia, eventually settling in Meheba—one of the largest refugee settlements in the country.
Shortly after their arrival, Banza’s husband was diagnosed with a severe heart condition, making it impossible for him to work. With the responsibility of providing for their family resting on her shoulders, Banza turned to something she had always loved—hairdressing.
Determined to support her household, she spent countless hours perfecting her braiding techniques, styling hair for people in the settlement.
However, without proper resources, growing her small business was an uphill battle. Despite her talent, she lacked essential equipment and products, limiting her ability to expand her salon.
Support from Caritas Czech Republic
In 2022, Banza’s life changed when Caritas Czech Republic, with funding from UNHCR, provided her with a grant to invest in her business. With this support, she was able to purchase wigs, hair products, and essential tools for her salon. This allowed her to improve her services and attract more customers.
“Running my own salon has helped me a lot,” Banza shares. “I can now take care of my family, and although the income is not much, it is enough to sustain us.”
Today, she is one of the most well-known hairstylists in Meheba, with a growing customer base that appreciates her skill and dedication. Thanks to the support from Caritas Czech Republic, Banza's salon has flourished, creating a stable source of income for her family and a valuable service for her community.
When we visited Banza’s salon, we found a group of young girls excitedly preparing for their church service. The air buzzed with laughter and conversation as they eagerly waited for their turn to sit in Banza’s chair. With skillful hands, she braided each girl's hair into unique designs, ensuring they would step into church looking and feeling their best.
Banza’s journey is one of resilience and determination. Her dream is to further expand her salon, purchase more equipment, and enhance the quality of her services. She hopes to continue growing her business so she can secure a brighter future for her family.
Caritas Czech Republic is empowering refugees to build a future
For over a decade, Caritas Czech Republic has been supporting refugees in Zambia, helping them gain skills and start their own businesses. In partnership with UNHCR, we provide vocational training and financial support, enabling refugees to earn a living and become self-reliant.
Thanks to this support, many have successfully set up businesses such as hair salons, tailoring shops, and small restaurants. Education is also a key focus, with scholarships helping refugee students pursue their dreams.
We are grateful to everyone who helps make this possible.
