Refugee & Immigration Services
Volunteer Testimony

Finding Employment for Berhanu - by Karen Kielczewski 

Berhanu, a refugee from Ethiopia, had spent the past eight years in a Kenyan refugee camp before arriving in Nashville this September. After introducing myself as his job developer, I asked him basic questions in order to create his rÈsumÈ, but Berhanu already had a handwritten one waiting for me. I learned that with over ten years of pharmaceutical experience, Berhanu wished to continue this line of work in the United States. Although he is college educated and fluent in English, I explained to Berhanu that most pharmacies require state and/or national certification; therefore he should expect assistant or uncertified technician positions at first.

I began Berhanuís job search by calling literally every hospital in the Nashville yellow pages and all the pharmacies located near a bus line. After hearing weekly from Human Resource managers that no positions were available, I became discouraged. I asked Berhanu to consider factory work to afford rent and utilities. I also recommended he become more marketable by working towards his pharmacy credentials. Berhanu appreciated my advice and agreed.

While shopping at my local CVS drug store, I read a help wanted sign for an uncertified pharmacy technician. Immediately I thought of Berhanu and submitted his rÈsumÈ and application online as the pharmacist suggested. Within days, Berhanu was called for an interview. When I arrived at Berhanu's apartment to drive him to the interview, I found him looking his best in a donated business suit. When the thirty minute long interview ended, the store manager and head pharmacist came out to tell me that Berhanu was the perfect candidate and they were happy to offer him the position. However no one was happier than Berhanu. During the car ride home, Berhanuís words brought to life the reason why I joined Jesuit Volunteer Corps.

ìKaren, I think you must love your job because you look very happy for me right now. I am very happy for me right now. My life was broken before this moment, but you, you have given me a new life. People from Africa, they come here, and they are like animals. We have nothing, we know no one. But you have made me someone right now. I think you do not realize what you have done for me because you do this every day; you find people jobs every day. But for me, I will remember this for the rest of my life. I will remember you for the rest of my life.î

Berhanu felt I validated him that day and he in turn did the same for me. I recognize that right now I am someone who performs acts of charity by giving my time and effort to refugee issues.  But to me, charity is only the beginning.  It needs to be followed by social action. I believe that through law and public policy, I can eventually correct social ills through systemic changes.  That is why I want to be a lawyer.  If I can positively influence society so that no human has to feel like an animal, I will consider myself a great success.  I think with my skills, background, interests, passion, and an understanding of the law, I can make the Berhanus of the world feel more validated.

If you feel you are a good fit for this volunteer position, please contact Marcheta Claus at 615-259-3567 x 790 or via email at mclaus@cctenn.org.