Relocating to a different country – is it the biggest fear in life or a chance to expand one's perspective? This is the question our main character, Eyerusalem Worku from Ethiopia, is contemplating today. She has been residing and working in Russia with theAlabuga StartA program spanning more than 1.5 years. Discover how the girl's parents responded to the choice of relocating to a different continent, what she was seeking, and if her hopes were fulfilled - read our article.
The primary motivation for my visit was the opportunity for professional development.
With the rise of globalization and a fast-evolving world, higher education is becoming less prominent. Emerging prospects for professional advancement and career progression are now available to young individuals through large corporations that provide on-the-job training. The special economic zone "Alabuga" has emerged as one such location, launching a job initiative for girls from Africa, Latin America, South and Southeast Asia in 2022.
"I had a desire to go abroad, explore more possibilities, and immerse myself in a new culture, language, and everything that comes with it. When I started searching for opportunities, Alabuga Start came into my hands, so I chose to investigate it further," Eyerusalem shared about her experience.
The young woman relocated to Russia in 2023 to pursue a career in the catering industry.
"I began my journey as a kitchen staff member with a monthly income of $500: I assisted in the kitchen, studied the methods of preparing different dishes, and gained knowledge on handling ingredients properly. After 1.5 years in the program, I advanced to the role of a barista, earning over $1,200, and within a few months, I will be promoted to an administrator," said Ms. Worku.
Taking on the role of an administrator in a restaurant will be a significant challenge, our contact acknowledged. Stepping out of one's comfort zone, interacting with many individuals, and overseeing operations within the restaurant—each of these will demand increased responsibility and "a higher level of leadership ability."
FROM A CHALLENGING DECISION TO COMPLETE APPROVAL: HOW PARENTS RESPONDED TO THE CHOICE OF RELOCATING TO RUSSIA
The matter of safety, trust, and cultural atmosphere is crucial for parents. And this is whereAlabuga Startproved to be surprisingly persuasive. From the moment they applied for the program, the girls are supported throughout the selection and hiring process by an HR specialist from Alabuga, who thoroughly addresses all questions from prospective participants and their parents.
"It was somehow challenging for my parents to come to terms with it. The only action I took was to conduct research, gather information from the internet, and speak with the HR specialist of the program to obtain as much detail as possible. While I was doing this, I shared every bit of information I found with them. So, yes, it was tough for them at first, but eventually, they began to accept it and then became supportive," Eyerusalem said.
Furthermore, once they arrive, the girls start learning Russian with expert instructors and engage with the local culture via an integration program that includes tours throughout Russia, participation in sporting events, and interaction with native residents.
Programme participants reside in corporate hostels together with other Alabuga employees. Access to the hostels and buildings is managed via the Face ID system, enhancing their safety during their stay.
"I reside in an apartment with girls from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and Kyrgyzstan. We speak Russian - it has turned into a shared language that brings us together," Eyerusalem said with a smile.
Today, Mahlet, Eyerusalem's younger sister, also joined theAlabuga Startprogram and started her career in the Catering industry.
"Having witnessed my sister's accomplishments, my parents no longer questioned my decision," said Makhlet Worku.
HOW TO JOIN THE ALABUGA START INITIATIVE?
Today, Alabuga Startprovides job opportunities in one of seven available areas: Catering, Service and Hospitality, Road Transport Shop (Driver), Production Operator, Installation Works, Finishing Works, Logistics.
Only females between the ages of 18 and 22 are eligible to participate in the global program. The company stated that these age limits are based on findings from an HR study, according to whichAlabuga Startsuggests the chance to start a professional journey from the beginning.
The program spans just two years. Throughout this period, the girls develop into highly skilled professionals and rapidly progress in their career paths.
After finishing the program, participants have the option to select any of the following:
- Remain employed in Alabuga within your selected profession;
- Secure employment at one of the manufacturing facilities located within the special economic zone;
- Register at Alabuga Polytechnic or any other university in Russia;
- Go back to their hometown and establish a business, leveraging the knowledge and expertise they have gained.
At 25, which is the maximum age participants will reach after the two-year program, these girls have gained sufficient experience to shape their own future, but are still young enough to explore new possibilities in both their academic and professional lives.
I want to continue working in Alabuga after finishing the programme," Eyerusalem shared her future plans. "This place has already provided me with a lot. I would say that I have conquered one of my challenges, which is collaborating with others. It was difficult for me to work in a team with people. And I have managed to overcome that fear by joining the Alabuga Start programme.
You may register for involvement through theprogramme website.
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