Noah: “I settled for a job in Saudi Arabia”

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When I got my diploma in procurement and logistics, I was so ready to work. I applied to countless jobs, did so many interviews but I was competing with thousands of other young Ugandans. Being turned down time after time really made me feel low and desperate. But that did not stop me. I always found myself and continued looking for new opportunities.

One day I saw an advertisement on TV asking for workers abroad. I got more information, but was surprised to see that it actually came at a cost. This company offered good jobs in European countries, but the fees to get there were just too expensive. In the end, I settled for a job in Saudi Arabia because it was the cheapest option. At that point I did not know much about the place. Determined to go, I used all my savings from casual labour in and around Kampala,. Back in the days that is how I used to help my parents to pay school fees. Now these savings were my key to a job.

When I arrived, I quickly learned that there was one thing I was absolutely not prepared for. You know that feeling when you think your toes are freezing off? Enduring Saudi Arabian winter was really the worst. I had never experienced temperatures that cold. My new job wasn’t easy either of course, quite tough actually. We worked in night shifts for a low salary, and many of the other workers were not friendly because I am not a muslim. But still, it was better than staying unemployed in Uganda. Personally, I quite like the company’s policies. Can you believe that they pay for my flight ticket to go home and allow me to spend a month with my family while still paying my salary? 

It may sound odd to people, but to me this opportunity was really a blessing. I now have savings and I bought my first piece of land in Uganda to build my future. I hope to start my family on that farm. My only fear is to lose this job before I saved enough. At the moment, I am writing this from Kampala, Uganda. The corona crisis started when I was on my one-month break and because of the airport closures, I cannot return to Saudi Arabia. The good thing is that they have given us until July to come back. I hope I can travel by then.

To those reading my story, know that, no matter how demoralised you may feel, God will be there to help you as long as you have faith and keep working hard.

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