Born in Beni City, Kalinda completed his primary and secondary education in his birth city.
He then pursued his higher education at the Adventist University of Goma, where he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and education sciences in 2019. He also obtained a diploma from the Assumption University of Congo-Beni. However, the escalating conflict in his region would soon disrupt his aspirations.
“When the conflict escalated in Beni region, our house was attacked, and everything we owned was destroyed, including my school certificates and documents,” says Kalinda. He was wounded with a bullet in his leg which required him to stay in a hospital for a long time. Afterwards, he made the difficult decision to flee his country. “When I decided to leave my country and seek refuge in Zambia, I had no academic or professional documentation to prove both my qualifications and skills,” he says. “I was deeply affected emotionally by the fact that I could not have access to the labour market and employment to use my skills and improve my life.”
Spreading a message of hope
Kalinda offers a message of hope and encouragement to other refugees and displaced people. "The UNESCO Qualifications Passport is an essential initiative," he emphasizes. "It gives those of us who lost our documentation a second chance at education and access to the labour market. I have a tremendous opportunity now to study in Europe, and it still feels unreal. Thanks to UNESCO, I have hope for a brighter future."
Like Kalinda, 93 successful applicants have received the UNESCO Qualifications Passport in Zambia which is the highest number in the world. The country was the first to adopt the initiative in 2019. The UNESCO Qualifications Passport is currently being implemented in Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Iraq.
- UNESCO Qualifications Passport
- UNESCO’s work in education in emergencies
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