From the Refugee Settlement to Agricultural Training: Safi’s Journey of Hope and Opportunity
For many young refugees, accessing higher education remains a distant dream. Financial barriers, limited opportunities, and the high cost of obtaining study permits often prevent talented young people from pursuing their ambitions. For 22-year-old Safi Mbayo from Mayukwayukwa Refugee Settlement, the Mastercard Foundation bursary has changed that reality.
Safi is currently pursuing a certificate in General Agriculture at the National Vocational Rehabilitation Centre (NVRC) in Ndola under the TVET programme. Her journey to higher education has not been easy.
“As a refugee, pursuing further education comes with many challenges,” Safi explains. “Apart from tuition and living expenses, refugees often face additional costs such as study permits, which can cost as much as K4,000. For many families in refugee settlements, this amount is simply unaffordable.”
Like many young people in refugee communities, Safi had dreams of building a career and becoming self-reliant. However, financial constraints threatened to keep those dreams out of reach. Her situation changed when she learned about the Mastercard Foundation Second Chance Pathways Programme through Caritas and a community sensitisation visit conducted by FAWEZA staff in Mayukwayukwa Refugee Settlement.
“When I heard about the bursary opportunity, I was excited. I had always wanted to study agriculture, but I did not know how I would afford it. Being selected gave me hope that my future could be different.”
Today, that hope is becoming a reality.
Through the bursary, Safi has been able to enrol at NVRC and fully focus on her studies without the constant worry of educational costs. She is gaining practical and technical skills in crop production, fish farming, crop rotation, and sustainable agricultural practices.
“The bursary has enabled me to stay in school, attend classes consistently, and concentrate on learning. It has removed one of the biggest barriers that stood between me and my education.”
Beyond technical skills, Safi says the programme has helped her develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities that will support her future career.
As agriculture continues to play a key role in Zambia’s economy, Safi believes the knowledge she is gaining will not only transform her own life but also benefit her community.
“My dream is to use the skills I am learning to help farmers improve agricultural productivity and create opportunities for others. I want to contribute to food security and support community development.”
For Safi, the impact of the bursary goes beyond education. It represents inclusion, dignity, and a second chance for young refugees who are often excluded from opportunities due to financial and legal barriers.
“The Mastercard Foundation bursary has been life-changing. It has given me access to education, practical skills, confidence, and hope for a brighter future. As a refugee, opportunities like this can completely change the direction of someone’s life.”
She now encourages other young people, especially girls and young women from refugee communities, to pursue educational opportunities whenever they arise.
“Do not give up on your dreams because of your circumstances. Programmes like the Mastercard Foundation bursary, TVET, and STEM education can open doors that once seemed impossible to enter.”
