From refugee status to obtaining a doctoral degree
    With the courage to change the current situation and the unwavering commitment to never give up, there will definitely be a turning point in life.
    Fabrice Kapya, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, sought asylum in South Africa in 2018. He worked as a parking lot security guard, putting in 13-hour days without complaints, all to earn money for tuition fees. He was determined to fulfill his late father's wish for him to receive a good education.
    In 2022, not only did he graduate with a master's degree, but he is also pursuing a doctoral degree and has become an assistant lecturer. He is gradually moving towards a better life through his own efforts.
    The University of Pretoria in South Africa shared an inspirational story of one of its students on its website. Fabrice Kapya left the Democratic Republic of Congo at the age of 31 in 2018 and sought asylum in South Africa. 
    He obtained a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Likasi in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, this degree was not easy to attain. At the time, his father had passed away, and he struggled to afford tuition. Fortunately, with the generous support of friends, he was able to continue his studies and successfully obtain his degree.
    When Kapya first arrived in South Africa, he had neither money nor a job, but he was determined to continue his education.
He started working as a parking lot security guard at a local mall, working long hours from 7 AM to 8 PM every day, totaling 13 hours. He earned around 2,000 South African Rand per month (approximately 3,600 New Taiwan Dollars), but after paying for rent and miscellaneous expenses, he was left with only about 900 South African Rand per month (approximately 1,700 New Taiwan Dollars).
    Now, despite being a doctoral student and assistant lecturer at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, Fabrice Kapya continues to work as a security guard. While on duty, he wears his student ID, a constant reminder to himself to persevere and strive forward.
    Even though Kapya has taken a small but successful step in a foreign land like South Africa, he never forgets to care for the youth in his homeland. He hopes that everyone remembers the message from Pope Francis, who, on February 2, 2023, at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, Congo, addressed 65,000 young people with a powerful message: to say no to corruption, to pray, to foster collective well-being, to live with honesty, to practice forgiveness, and to dedicate themselves to service, all working together to build a peaceful and prosperous Congo.
    In a foreign land, Kapya has been working hard and treating hardships as opportunities for growth. He dedicates 13 hours each day to work, embodying a life of dignity that sets him apart. 
    He has always envisioned a world: one with you and one without you. Maximizing the difference between these two worlds, maximizing your impact, is what Kapya strives for throughout his life.
    Currently, while juggling his doctoral studies with work, Kapya is also planning to establish a non-governmental organization (NGO) to assist young people facing challenges. His goal is to sponsor their education, providing them with opportunities to realize their ambitions.
    Kapya came forward as a living testament: those who had experienced hardships and still bravely attempted were undoubtedly determined young individuals. They wouldn't lose. Because even if they weren't successful, they could learn lessons, gain knowledge, and grow from it. Everyone should step forward and not forget to lend a helping hand to the youth at any time, encouraging more people to fearlessly pursue their dreams despite challenges.
    Kapya believes that the world will be different because of your presence, and he hopes that everyone can live a life without regrets, leading to a life filled with hope, just like him.
As a result, Kapya had the courage to change the status quo, persevering and never giving up, to fulfill his father's wishes and live a life of unlimited possibilities. And he is worthy of being " a Doctor of Congolese Origin from South Africa."

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