Would You Bet on Refugees? The Creative Gateway graduates are proving it’s the smartest investment you’ll ever make!
3D modelling students of the Creative Gateway holding up their certificates.
What if we told you the next big tech disruptor or creative visionary wasn’t sitting in a high-rise office in Silicon Valley—but in a refugee camp?
Would you believe us?
Too often, the conversation about refugees is framed by deficit—what they need, what they lack, or the weight of their struggles.
It’s a narrative that strips away their potential, leaving untold stories of resilience, brilliance, and possibility buried under layers of misplaced pity or skepticism.
But something extraordinary has been happening in Kakuma Refugee Camp and we’re proud to be leading the charge.
In a place where challenges seem insurmountable, a new kind of transformation has been taking root. Refugees in Kakuma are no longer just waiting for handouts—they are building their futures, one skill, one project, and one success story at a time.
As our Project Lead Vincent so aptly put it:
"This future work model and online opportunities have been a talking point for long, and a few freelancing projects have been set up in the past in Africa. But when we came to Kakuma, for example, we tried to look for youth that had utilized these online opportunities, and we found only one or two. And they had done only a few gigs ever. They definitely were not, in terms of technical or soft skills, on the level that they could do it consistently. That was the kind of level we started off with."
This was the reality we stepped into: a space where the potential was immense, but the tools and opportunities to unlock it were practically nonexistent.
There was no blueprint, no existing roadmap for success in a context like Kakuma. But what we saw was clear: untapped talent, resilience, and the drive to build something better.
So, we rolled up our sleeves and started from scratch. Here’s how we did it:
Step 1: Identifying the gaps and choosing 3D modeling
Before diving in, we first had to decide which skills would have the most transformative impact. The decision to focus on 3D modeling was not made lightly—it was the result of careful observation, market research, and an understanding of the unique opportunities it could provide.
Market Demand Analysis
We began by researching industries with high demand for freelancers, particularly those with low entry barriers and opportunities for growth. 3D modeling stood out as a rapidly growing field, with applications in gaming, animation, architecture, and product design.
Global Opportunities
3D modeling aligned perfectly with the future-of-work model, allowing individuals in remote settings like Kakuma to tap into international markets without requiring significant local infrastructure.
Participant Interest
When we spoke to the youth in Kakuma, we noticed their enthusiasm for creative and visual projects. Many of them were already talented at drawing or design but had no idea that these passions could translate into income-generating opportunities like 3D modeling.
Untapped Potential
While freelancing platforms were already hosting 3D modeling gigs, very few people from Kakuma—or even other parts of Africa—were competing in this space. This meant our graduates could enter a relatively underserved market with the right training.
Step 2: Laying the foundation
Laying the groundwork wasn’t just about teaching new skills—it was about creating an ecosystem where talent could flourish. This involved:
Skill Assessment
We began by identifying where each participant was starting from. For some, there was a basic understanding of computers; for others, even turning on a laptop was a new experience. This assessment helped us meet each individual where they were and design a program that ensured everyone could thrive—not only in 3D modeling but in the broader world of freelancing.
But the gaps weren’t just technical.
Many participants also lacked crucial soft skills: client communication, project management, and, perhaps most significantly, confidence in their abilities.
Access to tools
Opportunities mean little without access. To bridge the digital divide, we provided laptops, stable internet, and a safe, functional workspace in our container hub.
These tools weren’t luxuries—they were the keys to unlocking participation in the global economy. The hub became more than just a physical space; it was a symbol of possibility, a place where the journey from refugee to professional could truly begin.
Mindset shift
From the very first day, we emphasized one crucial idea: you belong on the global stage. This program wasn’t just about teaching technical skills—it was about helping participants see themselves as competitors and collaborators in the world’s most dynamic industries. It was about cultivating a mindset of ownership and resilience, replacing doubt with belief and hesitation with ambition.
Step 3: Mastering the craft
Technical training begins
Once the foundation was laid, we shifted focus to the heart of the program: equipping participants with advanced technical skills while ensuring they had the confidence and discipline to deliver high-quality work. This was where the real transformation began to take shape.
Participants were introduced to industry-standard software like Blender and learned to create professional-grade designs. The training wasn’t just theoretical; it was hands-on, with participants working on real-world projects and assignments that mirrored the expectations of international clients.
Soft skills for freelancing
We didn’t stop at technical training. The reality of freelancing demands more than just hard skills—it requires the ability to market oneself, communicate effectively with clients, and manage time and expectations.
Practical Experience
Learning by doing was a cornerstone of this phase. Participants were tasked with delivering real projects, simulating the freelancing experience. They faced tight deadlines, received constructive feedback, and refined their skills in a supportive but challenging environment. This hands-on experience was key to preparing them for the realities of the global marketplace.
Mentorship and Guidance
To accelerate their growth, we introduced mentorship opportunities, pairing participants with professionals who had experience in freelancing and 3D modeling. These mentors offered guidance, shared industry insights, and helped participants develop a growth-oriented mindset.
Milestones and Wins
Throughout this phase, we celebrated small victories—completed projects, improved designs, or mastering a new tool. These milestones reinforced participants’ belief in their abilities and gave them the confidence to take on more significant challenges.
Step 4: Graduation – The the reward for hard work
After months of focused training, skill-building, and overcoming challenges, our graduates reached the final step: graduation. It was a moment of pride, not just for the graduates, but for everyone involved in their journey.
This was the culmination of everything they'd learned: from technical skills like 3D modeling to the soft skills required to succeed in the freelance world. Graduation was the moment they officially became freelancers, ready to step into the global workforce and show the world what they were capable of. For many, it marked a brand new beginning, with a portfolio to showcase their work, the confidence to take on clients, and the drive to continue learning.
Graduation wasn’t the end of their journey—it was the start of something bigger.
The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every step.
This is what excites us the most: seeing youth who once struggled to complete even a single gig now thriving as consistent freelancers, building sustainable careers, and breaking the cycle of dependency.
Investing in refugee talent from Kakuma is more than just doing good—it’s a smart business move.
Our graduates have gained real skills in 3D modeling and freelancing, but also developed key abilities like problem-solving, adaptability, and the ability to think on their feet, all shaped by their unique life experiences. These skills make them ready to deliver results from day one.
Companies hiring them aren’t just filling a position—they’re bringing in hard-working, self-driven individuals eager to contribute. By investing in them, companies gain access to a diverse and talented workforce that brings fresh perspectives and new solutions to the table. It’s a win for everyone.
The talented young people we work with are eager to prove themselves in the global job market, but they need the right opportunities to show what they can do. By partnering with us, you’re not only gaining highly motivated and skilled individuals, but you’re also helping to open doors that have long been closed to these young refugees.
This is more than just hiring – it’s about providing a chance for them to build a future, while also benefiting your company with fresh, diverse talent.
Reach out today at vincent@ambitiousafrica.org. and let’s discuss how we can work together to create opportunities that matter.
