Designing change: Alexandre's journey
This Amala Impact Story was produced by students from St Joseph’s Institution International (SJII), Amala partner school.
Alexandre’s story is one marked by resilience and hope. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, his life took a dramatic turn when he sought refuge in Kakuma Camp, Kenya. Ultimately he had to leave his home behind, but the spirit of commitment to help his fellow refugees and the community guided his way forward.
Arriving in Kenya, Alexandre was determined to begin changing the lives of the people around him but soon realised that his potential was limited by language barriers. This realisation led him to enrol in the Amala Global Secondary Diploma Programme (GSD).
Alexandre feels that Amala has played a pivotal role in his life. To him, the most profound aspect has been the opportunity to learn and work with mentors and collaborate with other students with diverse backgrounds. When asked about his decision to enrol in the programme, Alexandre explained, "I joined because I realised that to properly communicate with different organisations, I needed to learn English." He added that the programme lived up to his expectations and more, equipping him with not only the linguistic skills that he initially joined for but also the skills needed to help the community around him.
During the Global Secondary Diploma Programme, Alexandre discovered his interest in and talent for web design. To manage his project - an initiative dedicated to empowering refugees, and supporting climate action - he first needed to increase awareness and visibility. This need convinced him to explore the world of web design so that he could design and manage the project’s website. This unique opportunity allowed him to combine his love for web design with his commitment to help fellow refugees.
As for Alexandre's vision for the future, it extends beyond web design. He envisions expanding the reach of the organisations he collaborates with. Alexandre’s passions span a diverse array of causes, from championing human rights to addressing special needs, advocating for ecological and cultural preservation and promoting climate-smart agriculture. Passions nurtured and guided by his transformative journey at Amala.
Alexandre's story is a testament to the profound impact of Amala, not solely as an educational organisation, but as a catalyst for personal growth and societal transformation. From his home country of DRC to the camp in Kenya, from language barriers to web design, Alexandre's journey signifies hope for refugees and numerous causes requiring attention and support. Amala was the spark for Alexandre, who now hopes to actively shape a future where refugees’ voices are not just heard but embraced.
