My Story: Charles Mwamba
August 23, 2010 | By Jenni Baker | 
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Told by Goodwill Computer Museum volunteer Phil Ryals
At 18, because of the unrest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I had to leave for my safety. I crossed into the border of Zambia on foot, literally running across the border to safety. I was on my own. I spent 18 years in a refugee camp outside of my native country. At that time, I was able to move to Austin, TX, through a UN resettlement program. I brought my wife and four young children with me.
In Austin I found assistance through a local non-profit who worked with immigrants and refugees. I was unable to find employment to support my family. In four months, I submitted over 40 applications but received no interviews or even calls of interest. An opening was found at Goodwill Industries® of Central Texas. After interviewing with the recycling supervisor, I was offered a full-time job as a baler in the recycling department and started work in July 2009.
When I started at Goodwill, they provided a French interpreter at my three-day orientation. Although I am fluent in French, Swahili and other dialects, I am still learning English. The interpreter walked through the job duties with me, explaining vocabulary and duties.
Charles Mwamba drives a forklift at Goodwill Industries of Central Texas.
At first, I had to walk and ride the bus to work which took about two hours each way. After six months on the job, I had saved enough money to purchase a vehicle. I now have my license, and I drive to work. With steady employment, I have been able to save money and move my family into a safer and less expensive apartment.
I am much happier now that I have a job, and I am able to work full-time and have constant employment. I drive a forklift and work the baler to recycle metal and plastic and work with the recycling team on collection events helping with computer and television recycling.
I am happy that I have a way to support my family. I want to continue to grow as I work at Goodwill and develop my career. I also want to learn more English. I am happy to have these opportunities that Goodwill has offered me.
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hi charles i am very intersting with your carees and to lean more abaut goodwill so just aproved me for this im refugee but i didn’t get any help abaut the jobs ,just email me your phone #then i contact u pls ma men thanks