Jozimar Matimano’s life is one built on a foundation of determination, perseverance, and hard work. A refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jozimar has faced and overcome more obstacles than most 25-year-olds. In 2016, Jozimar’s family of eight arrived in Manchester, N.H., for the first time after leaving a refugee camp in Uganda, where they had lived for the past decade.
Although Jozimar had been a great student, his family left Uganda to come to America before he was able to finish his high school diploma. When he arrived as a 21-year-old, he was met with the challenge of finding a program that would help him get his high school diploma while also providing him with support and flexibility he needed as the sole interpreter and financial provider for his family. After one program failed to provide Jozimar with this, a friend told him about Job Corps.
Jozimar enrolled at the New Hampshire Job Corps Center as a non-residential student. It was at Job Corps that Jozimar received the training and education he needed, while also having the opportunity to live at home, just as he had hoped to do.
When he arrived on campus, Jozimar had a list of goals he wanted to accomplish with Job Corps’ help. He wanted to improve his English, earn his high school diploma, get his driver’s license, and receive career training. And, that’s just what he did.
In one year at Job Corps, Jozimar received his high school diploma through the center’s partnership with Penn Foster, finished training in both Security and Advanced Manufacturing, got his driver’s license, and worked with his mentor on campus to apply for and receive his green card.
“The teachers and instructors were fantastic, and they motivated me a lot. That is why I decided to pursue another trade. I had more time left, and they were encouraging,” Jozimar said.
By the time graduation came around, Jozimar already had been approached by three different companies offering him various manufacturing jobs. However, Jozimar also had a passion that he had been pursuing for a couple of years: art. An extremely talented painter, Jozimar had to find a balance so that he could pursue his dream while also providing financially for his family. Jozimar’s Job Corps mentor and career transition counselor worked with him to apply for a scholarship to the Currier Art Museum. It was from there that Jozimar presented his portfolio to the Institute of Art at New England College, where he was accepted and given a $60,000 scholarship.
With the help of Job Corps, Jozimar found that balance he was looking for. He accepted an apprenticeship position, which turned into a full-time position at Tecomet, a local manufacturing company, as a laser print operator, and he also attends school as a part time art student.
“For me, I think one of the most important things is to remain focused while at Job Corps and don’t waste your time. Take advantage of every opportunity,” Jozimar shared. “I am very thankful for the resources and skills it gave me.”
Graduated from Job Corps in: July 2019 Employer: College Student Hometown: Manchester, New Hampshire Notes:
Contact Information: jozy.mathy@gmail.com; 603-716-7221
Source: Center Submission
Story Type: Vetted Story