A future with opportunities

Cairo Rudacyahwa’s wife and children had already moved to Colorado from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and he was excited for their reunion and beginning a new chapter in his life. 

Before coming to the United States, Cairo taught English and literature at a high school, was a school-based mentor and trainer, worked as an interpreter, and taught English as a Second Language. When he attended a Cultural Orientation and Employment Readiness workshop at JFS, Cairo hesitated to talk about his background because he knew things would be different in a new country. “During the JFS cultural orientation training, the trainers put it well that it is possible for refugees like anyone else to work and added that we are not restricted to do any job as long as we meet the requirements.” 

After learning about Bridging the Gap, a nationally recognized medical interpreter training program, from his JFS employment specialist, Cairo completed the program and earned several language proficiency certificates. He now provides language services for medical units and is in the process of getting his legal interpreter certification. 

“I would just say that through JFS’s support, I learnt not to take for granted what you are given but just to use it as your passport to the next step,” shared Cairo.