Meet Kibrom, our Charity Development Lead

We spoke to Kibrom to hear about his journey from businessperson to volunteer and how he is using his decades of experience as a business owner to help REFEO become a sustainable social entreprise.

I’ve been a professional businessperson for more than 20 years. I am the founder and director of KIBCO Service and Investment Plc in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which works in various sectors like construction that helps to supply affordable housing in the capital, as well as distribution and general import and export. I have an MSc in Business Administration from the International Leadership Institute Addis Ababa and also BA in management from Unity University Addis Ababa.

At REFEO, I am the volunteer charity development and help as a moderator for our new forum for refugees and asylum seekers. On the charity development side, I am responsible for establishing a social enterprise that can provide skills development training for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. And working as a forum moderator involves expanding the service to reach as many refugees and asylum seekers who would benefit from support from REFEO.

What motivates you with this work?

Being a migrant myself, I have seen and experienced the challenges of joining the workforce or accessing higher education. It gives me personal satisfaction to be able to volunteer and support those who need support.

Most people seeking asylum and refugees I know or have heard about who lives in the UK are unemployed, with no access to higher education. I know and have experienced this huge gap.

For me, volunteering for REFEO means helping asylum seekers and refugees to use their skills and become self-sufficient, which is something very close to my heart.  

Some of the things I enjoy as a volunteer are the excellent relationships I have with REFEO members, the platform it gives me to help others and being part of an organisation that understands that the needs of refugee and asylum seekers is more than just food and shelter.

What is your favourite place in the world and why?

I have travelled to more than 21 countries for work and holidays. I have travelled in Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, South America and the Middle East. I enjoy visiting new places, meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. 

But from all the places I have visited, Seychelles is my favourite place in the world. It is surrounded by the cleanest and most beautiful islands. The people are very diverse and friendly. It is simply paradise on Earth!    

And finally, what brings you joy at the moment?

Helping people. 

If you are interested in volunteering with us or would like more information, please reach out.