Christine Nsenga – From Refugee to Leader at JFS-RESET

Mozambique faces significant socio-economic and migration challenges, hosting more than 30,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mostly from neighboring countries affected by conflict. Refugees encounter multiple barriers, including limited access to formal employment, education, and basic services.

These challenges are further compounded by structural constraints, such as low completion rates in primary (41%) and secondary education (20%), high unemployment levels— with around 70% of employed individuals engaged in low-productivity subsistence agriculture— and persistent gender inequalities. In this context, the social and economic integration of refugees represents both a complex challenge and a significant opportunity for transformation.

Meet Christine Nsenga

Christine, a Burundian refugee, arrived in Mozambique in 2006 at the age of 13, fleeing instability in her home country. She faced the inherent difficulties of forced displacement, including limited access to education, employment, and essential resources.

Her trajectory changed when she found, at JFS-RESET, an opportunity for personal and professional growth within an organization committed to rural development and social inclusion.

Christine joined JFS-RESET in Cuamba in November 2015 as an Administrative Assistant. Over the years, she benefited from the organization’s training and capacity-building programmes, demonstrating strong adaptability and continuous skills development. By 2017, she was already contributing across several strategic areas, including project logistics, asset management, quality control, and corporate social responsibility.

“JFS-RESET gave me opportunities to grow, reflecting its focus on developing practical and leadership skills.”

From Employee to Leader

Today, Christine serves as Head of People at JFS-RESET, becoming a clear example of how inclusion- and capacity-driven initiatives can break cycles of vulnerability.

The organization promotes inclusive employment practices, invests in continuous training, and creates structured career progression pathways, particularly for women. Under Christine’s leadership, gender equality policies have been strengthened and community development initiatives expanded.

Her journey highlights the profound impact of investing in women as agents of change. Beyond creating opportunities for decent work, Christine inspires other women to take an active role in shaping their futures and contributing to the development of their communities.

In a context marked by inequality and structural challenges, her story demonstrates that inclusion, when combined with training and transformative leadership, can drive sustainable economic growth and social progress in rural Mozambique.