Francoman enjoyed working as a barber in his home country before he was forced to flee. In 2015, rebels attacked Francoman’s village, killing his father. During the violence, Francoman was separated from his mother and siblings and fled to Uganda, where he stayed for one month before moving to Kenya.
After one week in Nairobi, Francoman got a job at a local barbershop. Unfortunately, a few months later, he was attacked by suspected gang members who broke his leg. Francoman underwent surgery for his leg, but it did not heal well. In December 2016, Francoman met RefugePoint and began receiving counseling support, food assistance, and rent support. RefugePoint also enrolled Francoman into the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) medical coverage, which allowed him to receive the medical treatment he needed for his leg. With RefugePoint’s support, Francoman underwent ten surgeries in local hospitals, but his leg never fully healed. Even though he could move around with the assistance of crutches, Francoman required more specialized medical attention. RefugePoint referred Francoman for resettlement so that he could get the medical attention he required.
“My life will change for the better there, so that gives me hope that I will recover once I get treated,” Francoman shared during our visit to his home. “What was preventing me from working was my injured leg. I can’t do anything. But once I get there [to Canada] and get treated, and it heals, I can do a lot of work.” Francoman dreams of one day driving a lorry [truck]. “I would like [to drive] a lorry because it is my dream. Even back at home, before coming here, I had a barber shop and a small taxi. But my target was to drive a lorry. It is a good job, and it pays well. I would like a good-paying job so that I can help myself and help others too,” Francoman shared.
In October 2023, Francoman was resettled in Canada for further medical attention to his leg. Francoman hopes to fully heal, recover and build a successful life as a truck driver.