Moving to another continent, reaching a leadership position in a large international company, and building a home for her mother – for 20-year-old Aisha from Uganda, this became not just a dream, but a reality. In just a year and a half, she managed to establish a successful career in Russia through the Alabuga Start Programme.

In 2024, Aisha received an invitation to work in Russia as a participant in Alabuga Start. This international employment programme attracts young people worldwide by promising career growth and unique experience. 

However, the programme has sparked controversy. Some media accuse it of deception and exploitation, even likening it to human trafficking, while others see it as a new opportunity for young women to advance towards equality.

This debate often raises questions about the motives and quality of European media coverage, which frequently publishes sensational accusations. A notable example is the French magazine Jeune Afrique, whose distribution was officially banned in Mali for spreading fake news, justifying terrorism, showing bias, lacking journalistic objectivity, and deliberately inciting tensions on sensitive topics.

In fact, we are talking about the media which for years has been forming a scandalous agenda without bothering to verify the facts, and it is precisely such publications that often become a source of resonant but unreliable publications, including Russian initiatives, fuelling a wave of fakes and distortions far from the real state of affairs. 

The Alabuga Start participants themselves, as well as the organizers of the programme, regularly refute dirty rumours by publishing interviews and vlogs with current participants and insisting that all conditions – from salary to accommodation – are initially transparent and are brought to the attention of the girls even before signing an employment contract. 

–  It is safe, it is guarded, whereby we are safe to enter. We have security guards who always check in case you bring anything. It’s not about only the Africans, but everyone who enters the building, they check. We have face IDs whereby if that ID doesn’t recognize you, of course you can’t enter, – declares the girl.

Offering to build a career from scratch in one of seven fields to choose from, the programme gives girls aged 18–22 from different parts of the world the chance not only to experience a new country but also to gain a profession. However, this opportunity is selective and challenging. 

A CHILDHOOD DREAM THAT CAME TRUE

According to Aisha, when she was an eight-year-old girl, she saw a film about Russian nature on TV and was amazed by the beauty of the landscapes and the changing seasons. The dream of seeing a distant country grew stronger year after year.

 – I watched a movie about Russia and I got to like it, the seasons. Because in Russia you have four seasons. And for us in Uganda we have only two. So, I had to come and experience that, – says Aisha. 

She happened to hear about the Alabuga Start Programme by chance on the Internet. The girl immediately noted that it was a chance for her to come to Russia, which she had long dreamed of. The parents were sceptical about this idea and even tried to dissuade their daughter from the trip. Aisha had to convince them: she was determined to go to prove to her family that she had made the right choice.

In 2023, after passing a multi-stage selection (questionnaire, interview with an HR specialist, medical examination, checking the basic Russian language), Aisha flew to Russia, Tatarstan. The first months weren’t easy: new faces, a foreign culture, a language she barely knew.

– Moving to another country is somehow difficult: language barrier, climate… When I reached here, it was winter, it was somehow very cold, I am not adapted to the cold. We started learning Russian. They explained to us the Russian culture, how to respond to people in a good way, how to respect people – we started slowly, slowly, slowly, step by step, – says the girl. 

Aisha lives in a room with other girls from different countries: Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Kyrgyzstan. They met in Alabuga as native speakers of different languages, but they quickly realized that Russian was a common thread for them, and they tried to practice it every day. 

A HOME FOR PARENTS

Having acquired basic Russian language skills, our heroine plunged into work. Olivia’s career began with the simplest position – cleaning public areas in corporate hostels. The girl admits that it was not an easy job. Nevertheless, she set a goal for herself – to grow in her career, improving both professional skills and language skills. Diligence gave the result – she was promoted twice. And now, a year and a half after the start of the programme, Aisha is proud to say that she will become an administrator very soon.

It is worth noting that career advancement in Alabuga Start involves strict requirements. To move up, participants have to not only perform well but also demonstrate solid Russian language skills, professional expertise, and discipline. 

– Your speaking part also has to be in a good way whereby you have to be speaking Russian fluently. So, I had to struggle hard to learn Russian and at the same time working very hard at work to please my bosses so that they give me promotion, – explains Aisha.

However, for her, all this struggle had another, very personal goal. The girl sends part of her salary from Russia to her home in Uganda. She immediately sent her first earnings to her mother. First, she saved up money and bought a large plot of land in her homeland for her parents. The family, seeing their daughter’s success, changed their mind about the programme.

Photo: Aisha’s Archive

– I had to prove them wrong. So, when I came here, I started working. The first dollar I got, I sent it to her. I told her: “You see, now I’m getting money because I’m in Russia, because I’m in my dream country, of course”, – recalls Aisha.

The girl did not stop there: now she is building a new house for her mother on the site. After the recent loss of her father, the girl feels responsible for the whole family: she is the only daughter and now the main helper for her family.

– She thought I was joking. So I told her it’s not the last, it’s just a beginning. I continued working here because I had to buy for her a land and to build her house. I think by the end of this year or by the beginning of the next year, at least I’ll be done with it. That’s when I will start thinking about myself, – says the girl. 

By her example, Aisha wants to inspire other girls, both at home and in Russia. According to her, in Uganda, as in many countries, girls are often expected to marry as soon as possible and their ambitions are underestimated. 

STRICT RULES: WHY CAN YOU BE EXCLUDED 

FROM ALABUGA START

It is worth noting that Aisha’s example shows the possibilities of the programme, but not every participant reaches the finals. There is no place for laziness and indiscipline at Alabuga Start – they require complete dedication. The programme’s leadership does not hide the fact that some girls have to be expelled for violating an employment contract or even the law. As it turns out, there have indeed been such cases, and they serve as a warning to all new participants.

Firstly, neglect of work and responsibilities is unacceptable. If a girl thought she was on vacation, she will be disappointed. Representatives of Alabuga Start told us that one of the participants stopped going to work after the first day of work – she did not get along with her colleagues, and she abandoned her Russian language classes. The organizers gave her a chance, transferred her to another place of work, but history repeated itself there. 

–  Laziness, lack of discipline and unwillingness to work are incompatible with the spirit of the programme – we are waiting for hardworking and purposeful girls who are ready to invest in their development, – emphasized representatives of Alabuga Start. 

For that participant, everything ended sadly: returning home and losing her chance at a career. Such stories confirm that those who lack motivation and endurance will not stay in the programme for long.

Violation of the law of the Russian Federation and public order also leads to the immediate termination of employment relations with Alabuga. Unfortunately, there were participants who were caught drinking alcohol in public places, participating in fights and noisy scandals. Such violators were immediately excluded from the programme, which led to the cancellation of the work visa and the immediate return home.

Thirdly, strict control also applies to the health of the participants. Before and upon arrival, everyone must undergo a medical examination – this is necessary both for the safety of the participant herself and for the team. But there were those who tried to circumvent the requirements, provided fake medical certificates, hiding diseases. 

Some frauds were discovered back at home, but there were also more alarming cases when the disease was detected already in Russia: the violator was immediately expelled, urgently sent home, and her name was added to the “blacklist”. Falsification of medical data at Alabuga Start is considered a gross violation, endangering both others and the reputation of the programme. 

All these stories show that Alabuga Start is not a place for lovers of an easy life. People come here not for adventures, but for real career experience, which must be earned through hard work. In exchange for generous opportunities, they receive comfortable housing, high salaries by the standards of many countries, and free professional training under the guidance of experienced mentors. However, in response, they require willingness to work and maintain discipline. 

A CHANCE TO BE EARNED

The Alabuga Start Programme is a mutually beneficial cooperation: young girls get a chance to fulfil their dreams, get a profession and earn money, and the region receives qualified and motivated personnel for economic development. 

The leadership of the special economic zone emphasizes that this is not a mass recruitment for the sake of reports, therefore, strict selection and requirements for those who come are the same for everyone, regardless of the country of origin. Getting into Alabuga is not easy and it is even more difficult to hold on, but those who pass the tests really change their lives.

Aisha’s story is a clear proof of this. She didn’t just fulfil her long–held dream of seeing Russia – she found a profession and financial independence, helped her family, and now inspires others. 

In a year and a half, the girl has gone from a confused new girl who mixes up Russian words to a confident team leader. She also almost built a house for her mother and plans to continue her career in Russia. Of course, the difficulties with adaptation and work shifts are over now. But, according to Aisha herself, it was worth it. 

During its existence, the programme has been overgrown with stories – there are both problematic and inspiring ones. And if some leave unable to keep up with the work rhythm, others finish the programme and build a successful career, without making too much noise, but with real results. 

Aisha from Uganda belongs to the latter category. Her path shows that Alabuga Start is not a vacation, but a springboard into the future. Only the most determined will be able to jump from it, but the reward is invaluable life experience, a career and a fulfilled dream.

For most CEOs, moments of reflection happen in boardrooms or private offices. But for David Munowenyu, founder and CEO of Discovery Ambulance Services, it happened inside the very vehicles his company deploys to save lives.

Sitting quietly in the back of an ambulance recently, Munowenyu described himself not as a leader, but as a “grateful servant,” thanking God for the vision that has become a lifeline for countless families across Zimbabwe.

“An ambulance is more than a vehicle,” Munowenyu wrote in a social media post that quickly went viral. “It is a moving sanctuary of hope… a bridge between crisis and survival.”

The post struck a chord, blending spirituality, leadership humility, and the stark reality of Zimbabwe’s emergency medical needs.

From Social Media Likes to Urgent Public Appeals

The online community responded with a mix of praise, gratitude, and heartfelt appeals for help.

• Faith and Gratitude: Users resonated with Munowenyu’s spiritual tone. Kudakwashe Gwabanayi commented: “To God be the Glory.” Lesego Molefe added, “Amen,” while Patience Tsongorera wrote, “May almighty God continue to bless you.”
• High Praise: Others were effusive in admiration. Garikai Masenyama called Munowenyu “God sent,” predicting a divine encounter, and James Jimmy described the services as “a beacon of hope.”
• Direct Community Appeals: The post also became a platform for urgent public pleas. Tonderai Gondo wrote: “Where can I get help in Mutare urgently? I saw something disturbing today needing medical attention but not even the police could help.”

This response underscores the vital, sometimes life-saving role private ambulance services like Discovery provide—and the gaps that remain in public emergency response.

The Heartbeat Behind the Mission

Munowenyu attributes the success of Discovery Ambulance Services to faith and frontline teams.

“When purpose is guided by faith, lives are not only saved — futures are restored,” he said, praising paramedics and medical staff as “the heartbeat of this mission.”

Discovery Ambulance Services provides critical private medical transportation across Zimbabwe. Munowenyu’s post, and the public’s reaction, highlights not only the necessity of emergency services but the trust, hope, and urgency communities place in them.

He concluded with a pledge:

“The journey continues. The mission grows. The calling remains.”

Why This Resonates Online

In an era where viral content often leans toward entertainment or scandal, Munowenyu’s post stands out for its sincerity, vulnerability, and communal relevance. For online readers, the story combines:

• Emotion: Faith, gratitude, and personal reflection.
• Public Engagement: Direct comments from citizens seeking help.
• Actionable Value: Readers now know where to find emergency support or contribute to a vital service.

Including multimedia—such as a photo of Munowenyu in an ambulance, screenshots of social media reactions, or a short video clip of ambulances in operation—would amplify the post’s resonance.

Hyperlinks to Discovery Ambulance Services would further connect readers to practical resources.

In a country rich with stories, rhythm and spoken truth, poetry in Zimbabwe is steadily reclaiming its space—and at the heart of this renaissance stands Cynthia Blackbird Jesus, model, TV presenter, spoken word poet, and the visionary founder of the Poetry Red Carpet Awards.

By Precious Mutuma

Born out of a deep concern for an overlooked creative industry, the Poetry Red Carpet Awards were established to address a glaring gap: the lack of formal recognition and appreciation for poets in Zimbabwe.

“The poetry industry needs serious attention and has great potential to grow,” Cynthia explains. “Seeing the gaps that needed to be filled inspired the idea of giving poets awards.

There was no record of poets being fully appreciated through awards in Zimbabwe.”
Since its inception, the awards have evolved from a bold idea into a growing movement.

What began as a mission to recognise poets has transformed into a unifying platform that actively engages the poetry community, ensuring artists are seen, heard, and valued for their craft.

Balancing the Crown and the Calling
Wearing multiple hats has not come without its costs. As both a public creative and an organisational leader, Cynthia speaks candidly about the weight of responsibility.

“The demands to show up as a leader are really hard,” she says.

“Only the one who carries the crown knows how heavy it is. It’s not just about being in the spotlight—it’s about the impact the weight has on my personal and professional life.”

Despite the challenges, she continues to push forward, acknowledging that leadership sometimes requires asking for help—a powerful reminder that even visionaries need support.

Shaping Zimbabwe’s Literary Landscape
The impact of the Poetry Red Carpet Awards is already visible. While feedback has ranged from praise to criticism, Cynthia embraces it all as fuel for growth.

“Both positive and negative feedback help us grow, even in areas we weren’t paying attention to,” she notes. “Since the awards began, we’ve seen significant change in the industry.

Poetry has become a sounding board for hope, even for society at large.”The awards have not only elevated poets but also reignited poetry’s role as a mirror and messenger for social realities.

Beyond Borders: Regional and Global Exchange
In recent editions, the inclusion of poets from Botswana and other countries has marked a strategic shift toward regional collaboration.

“If we are to grow Zimbabwean talent, we must build relationships with regional and international poetry families,” Cynthia emphasises.

It’s about learning from each other and creating a society for impact.”

Through these engagements, Zimbabwean poetry is gaining continental visibility, while local artists are exposed to diverse perspectives and styles.

The Financial Reality of Vision
Like many creative initiatives, the biggest hurdle remains funding.“Finances are the biggest challenge for anyone with a vision,” Cynthia admits.
“Many visions die because there’s no financial backing.

Until we secure strong sponsorship, this challenge remains.”Yet, despite this, the board continues to push forward—driven by belief, resilience, and purpose. A United Future for Poetry looking ahead, Cynthia remains hopeful and resolute.

“Poetry in Zimbabwe is in good hands as long as we stand united. The moment we lose that unity, that’s the beginning of the downfall. But the vision is running—and it will keep running. The future is bright for the poetry industry in Zimbabwe.”

As the Poetry Red Carpet Awards continue to grow, they are not just celebrating excellence—they are shaping the future of Zimbabwean poetry, one voice, one verse, one red carpet moment at a time.

The awards take place on the 27th of February 2026
At Nicoz Diamond Building, Samora Machel, 7th Floor

For more information on ticket,s contact 0785591276