In an interview with our publication, Victoria Kilani from Nigeria shared her insights on the programme, discussed her personal experience, and addressed why some girls have expressed negative opinions about it in the media.

I moved to Russia via the Alabuga Start programme, which is run by the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, the largest of its kind in Europe. This initiative allows young women to work in various fields while receiving education to enhance their career prospects, as well as learning the Russian language and local culture. I discovered this programme through an online advertisement that my brother shared with me; he had previously lived in Russia and thought it might interest me. I was intrigued by the opportunity to learn a new language and gain work experience, so I decided to participate. I believe this programme is an excellent fit for my goals, which is why I chose to come here.

Alabuga covered all the expenses for my transfer from Africa. We reached out to HR specialists, and I gathered the necessary documents. They then sent me my tickets. Once I arrived, they welcomed me and helped me settle into an apartment.

When I first got there, I had no idea who I was going to be. They gave me a bunch of options to pick from, and I decided to go with Catering. Now, I work at a café.  I started out as a kitchen worker and did that for six months. Then, I became a waitress, and now I'm a barista! My salary has gone up along the way too. Next, I'm hoping to either move up to being an administrator or become a chef.

I used to make 42 thousand rubles (about $500). Now I get 120-125 thousand rubles (about $1300), it depends on how well I fulfill my KPI. I make enough to have decent life.

Sometimes work is really demanding, but I have got used to it. If the place is fully booked, there is a lot of work to do.

When I'm not working, I usually go out on Saturdays. I enjoy shopping and often stroll around the city with my friends. If we feel like it, we always make time to go to the cinema or a restaurant in town.

To be honest, I haven't come across any negative reviews. The reality is that we have some girls here who just want to unwind – going to clubs every night and drinking alcohol – but that's not really possible in this environment. When they received feedback, the girls got upset and responded that they wanted to live freely, without any restrictions.I've been here for nearly two years now, and I've encountered a variety of participants in the program. Personally, I’m focused on studying and working, and I feel really good here. However, I've noticed that some people have different priorities and aspirations, which makes this place less than ideal for them.

It's possible that things at home aren't great either. I just want to say that for those girls who want to stay here, patience is key. It won't be easy anywhere. You need to know what you want and work hard to achieve your goals, just like I’m doing.

If someone wants to leave, no one is going to hold them back. They can just break the contract, pack their things, and go. I have a friend who recently left Alabuga without making a fuss.

Yes, representatives from different countries come regularly. They are interested in the Alabuga Start programme and how do the participants live and work. For example, last year, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nigeria to the Russian Federation, Professor Abdullahi Y. Shehu visited us, to find out how we live here, whether we like it here, whether it's hard or not. It was cool to talk to him. Abdullahi Y.Shenu found that the conditions here are very good for girls from Nigeria and other African countries.

I really love my experience in Russia. Unlike in America, there is no such a racism here. People are genuinely warm and welcoming; they’re always excited to see me and eager to chat. Every Sunday at church, I feel so embraced by the community. I truly believe that Russians are incredibly friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand.

Absolutely not! I wasn't scared at all. My brother has been living in Russia for five years, and he always told me how cold it could get. But honestly, he said it was perfect for me, and I was really excited to be here!

I quickly became friends with a girl from Kyrgyzstan when we lived together in a corporate apartment. Even though we've since gone our separate ways, we still stay in touch. I also have friends from Nigeria and Russia!

I never really thought about it before, but I absolutely love my job at a café! The 5/2 work schedule suits me perfectly. I work at the bar in the mornings, and it’s such a great experience

I’ve even learned how to make some really delicious coffee! Honestly, I don’t see any downsides to being at Alabuga Start. Sure, I get tired sometimes, but that’s totally normal.

I typically save some of my earnings for the future. Occasionally, I send money to my parents and younger brother back in Nigeria. I love going shopping with my friends to pick up some stylish clothes and cute little decor for my apartment.

It's definitely challenging for everyone at first since they’re still adjusting to the work environment. However, the girls are really excited about earning their own money and managing their finances independently, without relying on their parents. My neighbors were quite anxious when they first arrived because the job search process took about 3 to 4 weeks. The girls were understandably worried about being without work and income during that time. But everything has worked out now! Everyone is employed, earning money, and they've bought stylish, warm clothes for the winter. So, all is well!

I want to stay working here for at least a year. Then I haven't planned yet, maybe I'll go home to my family, or travel around Russia.