A story of hope and perseverance: Dawood’s journey from Sudan to Italy
Dawood with the TBB team
After being offered by his employer to relocate from Sudan to bordering Uganda, Dawood learned upon his arrival that he had already been replaced. Once in Uganda, he struggled to find work, applying everywhere, across all continents, for employment opportunities that matched his skills.
Despite having an honours degree in Computer Science and 4 years of experience in software development, Dawood realized that his geographical location and refugee status prevented him from landing jobs abroad.
“I interviewed with different companies, from Portugal to the United Kingdom, and it always came down to relocation taking too long. [...] I understood their concern — it’s a risky move for a company to invest in, compared to hiring someone already there who can start right away.”
A natural problem-solver and aspiring entrepreneur, Dawood began searching for organizations that could assist him in relocating for work. Through an online search, he discovered Talent Beyond Boundaries and immediately reached out, inspired by the stories of those who had begun new lives overseas.
Shortly after, Dawood was assigned to a cohort of candidates. For weeks, he underwent extensive training, from technical and language-learning courses to examinations and interviews with employers. Eventually, after receiving an offer from an Italian employer who had connected him with a fellow Sudanese employee, Dawood’s decision was made, and he began preparing for departure.
As he finally stepped foot in Italy, the kindness of the people — alongside the hot weather — were the first things that struck him. With the help of Diaconia Valdese, one of the pathway’s programme partners who provided assistance with documentation, logistics, and language, Dawood’s new life took flight.
“The generosity of the people resonated with me, because Sudanese people are also known for being generous and kind to others. Feeling that warmth here reminded me of home.”
Today, he works for one of the most important companies in Turin, has a permanent contract after 13 months in Italy, and travels across Europe for work. Looking ahead, Dawood dreams of one day launching his own business, and stresses the importance of perseverance and hard work for those who might be hesitant to embark on relocation journeys like his.
“The opportunity is very real. There’s nothing to lose, only to gain.”
About Talent Beyond Boundaries
Talent Beyond Boundaries is building a world where displaced people can safely migrate for work and fully realise their skills to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. Founded in 2016, TBB was the first organization in the world to focus on refugee labour mobility as a complementary pathway to traditional humanitarian resettlement. TBB's Talent Catalog, a world-first database, connects skilled displaced professionals with employers in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK and the US who need their skills.