My Work Experience as a Multilingual Employee at the IRC
My Work Experience as a Multilingual Employee at the IRC
My Work Experience as a Multilingual Employee at the IRC
Najat Abdi, Re:BUiLD Research Assistant, training clients during the RCT Wave 2 pilot in Nairobi.
Starting anew as a refugee presents numerous challenges. However, despite the difficulties encountered in rebuilding one's life, one of the most rewarding aspects of my experience has been assisting others in similar situations. Through my involvement with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) I have had the honor of guiding fellow refugees as they embark on their journey towards economic and financial independence via the Re:BUiLD program as part of the team implementing microentreprise support programs. Additionally, given that the majority of the program staff speak English and Swahili only, I have been instrumental in offering translation support where clients can only understand Oromo, Somali or Amharic.
One of my most valuable assets in my professional duties is my proficiency in multiple languages. I am fluent in Somali, Oromo, Amharic, Swahili, and English—languages that facilitate cross-cultural communication and understanding. My experience working with refugees is that language can often pose challenges that limit access to social and economic opportunities. My multilingual capabilities enable me to engage with individuals more effectively, ensuring they feel acknowledged and comprehended and expand their access to opportunities. I have consistently observed that clients are more willing to share their thoughts and aspirations when conversing in their preferred language.
The transformations initiated by the Re:BUiLD Program have been remarkably inspiring. The business support provided by the program has had a significant impact, enabling individuals to launch or expand their businesses, such as mothers starting tailoring enterprises from their homes or young men growing their retail shops. These ventures not only support the individuals but also uplift entire families and strengthen the community's fabric. The success of one person contributes to the prosperity of the whole neighborhood.
This work is more than a job for me—it is a vocation. My personal experiences have given me an understanding of the challenges faced when acclimatizing to a new country, as well as the importance of receiving appropriate support to realize one’s potential. Every success story and every new business that emerges, reaffirms my belief that change is attainable, even when it seems elusive.
While significant progress has been achieved, the journey is far from complete. Many of our clients are prepared to elevate their businesses, and we remain dedicated to facilitating their advancement. Through the Re:BUiLD Program, we provide more than financial assistance—we establish a resilient network designed to support our community for the foreseeable future.
Re:BUiLD’s interventions have encompassed more than just enhancing urban businesses for refugees and host community members in Nairobi and Kampala. They have fostered hope, empowered individuals to envision ambitious goals, and demonstrated that regardless of their initial circumstances, they possess the capability to create the life they desire. For me, there is no greater reward than witnessing this transformation.
