Beza Yemisrach Firdu

Founder - Refugee Empowerment Services

Beza Yemisrach Firdu is an Ethiopian refugee and social development advocate based in Cape Town, South Africa. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at the Institute of Social Development at the University of the Western Cape, where her research focuses on the challenges faced by social entrepreneurs in promoting social progress. Driven by her commitment to empowering fellow refugees, Beza founded Refugee Empowerment Services in 2023, an initiative that assists Ethiopian refugees in South Africa with securing housing, employment, and educational opportunities, enabling them to become self-reliant and independent.

Through Refugee Empowerment Services, Beza works to connect refugees with essential resources and information for their success, fostering a supportive community where individuals can build their paths to independence. She leads with compassion and kindness, creating a safe space for refugees to seek assistance and build connections. Her approach emphasizes trust, as she listens and offers personalized support to each individual. To enhance the reach of her initiative, Beza also collaborates with local community groups and businesses, broadening the network of support available to refugees.

Looking to the future, Beza envisions expanding her initiative by establishing a community center where refugees can gather, exchange information, and access vocational and language training. Her vision includes offering temporary housing solutions to help refugees transition as they integrate into society. Beza’s dedication to creating opportunities for refugees is grounded in her belief in community empowerment and the transformative power of accessible resources and compassionate support.