Melissa's Path: From Conflict to Coding and a New Future in Italy
Melissa is a Congolese refugee whose journey from adversity to opportunity is nothing short of inspirational. Despite growing up in the shadow of war and facing immense personal challenges, Melissa never wavered in her determination to build a better future. Now, as one of the selected candidates in an innovative train-to-hire initiative, she is about to embark on a new chapter. Soon, Melissa will relocate to Naples, Italy, to join the Accenture workforce, where she will harness her skills in technology to unlock new possibilities for herself and her family. This is her story.
My name is Melissa, a Congolese refugee living in Uganda. From a young age, my life was shaped by conflict and struggle, but I remained determined to carve out a future in technology. Growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amidst war, my father was disabled due to violence, while my mother cared for him and my brother, who had a chronic heart condition. As the only daughter, I had to balance family responsibilities with my education. Despite these hardships, I was driven to succeed.
My education began in the DRC, but the ongoing conflict forced my family to flee to Rwanda. Even under these circumstances, I excelled academically and continued my education. In 2017, we sought refuge in Uganda, where life grew even more difficult. Financial struggles and societal pressure from extended relatives, who insisted I marry into wealth to uplift the family, created additional obstacles. But I resisted, believing education was the key to success. This conviction led me to leave home to pursue my studies, against all odds.
To fund my education, I worked as a mobile money teller, saving enough to return to school. In 2018, I enrolled at the Talents College in Mukono, majoring in Math, Economics, Geography, and ICT. My hard work paid off, and despite financial pressures, I graduated with excellent grades. In 2021, I received a partial scholarship to study Business Computing at Metropolitan University in Kampala, where I balanced work as a bank teller during the week and classes on weekends. By the end of 2024, I was completing my degree, reigniting my passion for software engineering. I then pursued a second degree in Software Engineering at Bugema University, supported by a new job that helped fund my studies.
Building a Career in Tech
My career began taking shape with my first independent project in 2022—developing a website for a local restaurant. This project gave me hands-on experience in web development and boosted my confidence. My technical skills were further honed when I became an agent at a call center in Uganda for a humanitarian project managed by UNHCR. There, I was responsible for addressing the protection needs of refugees, which enhanced my client relationship skills. This experience proved invaluable as I transitioned into roles in web and app development. Through these opportunities, I gained expertise in full-stack development, digital marketing strategies, and mobile app development.
My journey into technology wasn’t just driven by ambition but by a deep sense of purpose. Growing up in a conflict zone, I understood the transformative power of education, not just for individuals but for entire communities. Despite societal pressure to abandon my dreams in favor of marriage, I held onto my belief in education. It was this conviction that led me to work tirelessly to support my family and fund my education, eventually building a career in software development.
Finding TBB
It was in Uganda that I first heard about Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB). A friend who had successfully relocated through TBB recommended their program, which connects skilled refugees with international employers. The idea immediately resonated with me. I knew that my education and skills in technology could offer me a way to rebuild my life and provide for my family.
The recruitment process with TBB was rigorous, involving interviews, technical assessments, and background checks. It took several months, but the support I received from TBB made the process manageable. They helped me navigate the visa procedures and prepared me for international employment. While there were challenges, such as financial constraints and a lack of resources, TBB’s assistance, along with support from their partners, made all the difference.
The train-to-hire model
TBB is increasingly helping employers implement "train-to-hire" initiatives through which they can choose candidates with the basic skills that they need, train them to meet their company’s specific requirements, and then facilitate their move to new countries. This innovative approach benefits industries facing labor shortages and helps refugees integrate into destination job markets. Training can include technical skills, language proficiency, and/or job preparation, creating a sustainable solution to fill workforce gaps while providing opportunities for displaced individuals.
Ready for IT: Creating New Pathways for Refugees
Ready for IT – Labor Pathways for Refugees is a pioneering"train-to-hire" program that opens up safe and legal employment opportunities for refugees in Italy, leveraging Italy’s Law 50. This program, led by Accenture Foundation, allows Italian employers to select skilled candidates from displaced backgrounds, train them to meet specific job requirements, and help them relocate to fill roles within the companies.
A collaboration among Italian employers, civil society organizations, and international partners, including TBB, Ready for IT combines targeted training with job placements. The program demonstrates the life-changing impact of stable employment, offering refugees like Melissa an opportunity to restore their livelihoods and build secure futures for themselves and their families.
If you are an employer who is interested in hiring individuals like Melissa, get in contact with our team here: talentbeyondboundaries.org/hire
If you are a candidate from a displacement background looking for labor opportunities internationally, register in the Talent Catalog here: tctalent.org
