NESEP member helps refugees launch recycling based businesses
NESEP member, developing partners, a Stockton on Tees based social enterprise that works with people experiencing social exclusion has helped two Tees Valley based African refugees establish social enterprises with the ethos of recycling at their core.
Abi Sinikiwe Ndlovu, a native of Zimbabwe who sought asylum in Britain following the murder of her brother after her mother publicly spoke of the nations brutal regime, secured funding from UnLtd, the charity that supports social entrepreneurs, with the help of developing partners, to establish Zenzele.
The company, whose name translates as 'do it yourself', provides second-hand wedding dresses for purchase or hire at a fraction of their original cost.
Democratic Republic of Congo native Norbert Konga, an IT technician who fled to Britain after civil war broke out in 1998, spent his time waiting to find out whether he would be permitted to stay in Britain studying to further his skills.
After completing a Microsoft-certified system engineer course at Stockton Riverside College, he moved on to study International Human Rights Law at masters-degree level, after which he also secured funding from UnLtd to set up ITID (Information Technology Insertion for Development).
The enterprise recycles old computers and sells them on to community groups and individuals. Norbert is also a qualified trainer, teaching individuals to become skilled in PC Maintenance, and is working to establish internet cafes in developing countries with the aim of ensuring internet access is available for all.
Further information and contact details for Zenzele and ITID can be obtained by contacting Jacqui Lovell at developing partners on 07505 221 036 or at jacqui.lovell@developingpartners.org.uk.