Arriving in Belgium without a network, but with a firm ambition to work as a pharmacist, Aziza overcame every obstacle. With DUO for a JOB, she was paired with a volunteer mentor (job coach), learned the ins and outs of the job market, and finally landed her dream job.
We’re sharing the story of Aziza and Mireya.
Exile and professional obstacles in Belgium
‍Originally from Sudan where she worked passionately as a pharmacist, Aziza arrived in Belgium carrying a heavy burden.
Far from her children, fleeing war, she quickly ran up against the realities of the Brussels job market. The language barrier, health issues, and the lack of recognition for her degrees kept her away from her field.
To make ends meet, she took on a series of survival jobs in cleaning and retail, slowly losing hope of ever returning to her scientific vocation.
➡️ More info on our mission here.
Mireya’s mentorship: the challenge of a volunteer mentor
‍The turning point came when DUO for a JOB introduced her to Mireya. An engineer with a PhD in composite materials, Mireya has extensive experience.
As a volunteer, her challenge was significant: how to reignite the spark and independence of a mentee who had lost confidence due to administrative hurdles?
Using DUO’s tools, Mireya helped Aziza clarify her goals, refine her profile, and practice her French. Beyond professional guidance, Mireya provided invaluable support. A genuine human connection was formed, transforming their meetings at DUO for a JOB into a source of deep personal encouragement.
➡️ Read our article on the economic impact of migration here.
Professional and personal success
‍Feeling finally equipped and supported, Aziza made a bold decision: she left her retail job to focus entirely on finding a position in production or quality control.
This gamble on her future paid off. A few months later, the breakthrough came: Aziza landed a real contract as a pharmacist!
Her skills were officially recognized. More importantly, this stability allowed her to achieve her ultimate goal: bringing over their children in Belgium. A 100% female success story.
Since 2013, DUO for a JOB has been connecting young people from immigrant backgrounds with experienced volunteer mentors over the age of 50. For six months, they work together toward a concrete goal: sustainable integration into the job market. Job coaching 100% free in Antwerp, Gent, Brussels, Sint Niklaas, Turnhout, Mechelen, Aalst, Liège, Verviers and Charleroi.
In Brussels, the inclusion of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) sectors remains a challenge. With the support ofequal.brussels and our WeMentor collective, along with Womenpreneur-Initiative and Futureus vzw/asbl!, the DUO for a JOB organization connects talent from immigrant backgrounds with local experts.
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Want to learn more about DUO for a JOB? Check out our FAQ here to become a volunteer mentor or find a job!
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🎥 One of our duos shares their story on video ⤵️
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