LONDON, United Kingdom — The global refugee crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with more refugees now than at any time since World War II. Education remains one of the most significant challenges for displaced populations. According to a recent UNHCR report, half of the 15 million school-aged refugees worldwide do not attend school, with opportunities decreasing drastically at higher education levels. Only 37% of refugee adolescents are enrolled in secondary education, compared to 84% globally.
The United Nations (U.N.) High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, emphasizes the need for inclusive education systems to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which ensures equitable quality education for all. United World Colleges (UWC), with schools spanning four continents, offers a unique approach through all-inclusive scholarships for displaced youth. UWC aims to empower young refugees to become leaders and changemakers in their communities.
Refugee Initiative: Building Future Leaders
The Borgen Project spoke with Peter Verhille, Senior Advisor for UWC’s International Fund Development, to learn about the transformative impact of the Refugee Initiative. This program provides 100 scholarships annually to young refugees, enabling them to access world-class secondary education. “One day, the regions refugees are fleeing from will need rebuilding and you need strong leaders to do this. So, the rationale behind the Refugee Initiative is: refugees benefit from a world-class secondary education, leading to higher university education, so they can work toward finding solutions for their communities.”
Verhille highlights that a UWC education represents more than just academic excellence; it empowers students to be risk-takers because “risk-taking is the belief that you can actually change things in this world.” The Refugee Initiative also ensures young refugees can access higher tertiary educational opportunities, with 84% of refugee scholars attending university after graduating from a UWC school.
The Amala Changemaker Program
Another notable partnership program, highlighted by Verhille, is the Amala Changemaker Program. Based in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, this program is run by the organization Amala. It aims to give young refugees the opportunity to develop leadership, conflict resolution, critical engagement and social entrepreneurship skills. The program is designed to support the onward pathways of young refugees, enabling them to access further educational opportunities.
Verhille highlights the importance of the Amala Changemakers Program in preparing students for a UWC education. He stated that it provides the initial building block, empowering students with a sense of agency. “In situations of sustained and generalized poverty, a sense of empowerment is often lost – especially in the context of Kakuma refugee camp, where so many aspects of life are decided by others.” After completing the program, many students earn UWC scholarships to continue their education. Christian Maboko, a recipient of the Amala Changemaker Programme, shared his journey with The Borgen Project.
A Story of Transformation: Christian Maboko
Christian Maboko, originally from Burundi, moved to Kakuma Refugee Camp to escape political unrest. Despite the challenges of life in the camp, his belief in education as a transformative force motivated him to apply for UWC. He was awarded a Rise scholarship to attend UWC Dilijan in Armenia.
During his time at UWC, Maboko developed a passion for addressing Kenya’s water crisis. With the GoMakeADifference grant, he launched his initiative, Water For Life, installing the first water pump in Kakuma. After graduating, he expanded the project, installing 12 additional water pumps in northern Kenya and providing clean water to more than 300,000 people.
Through installing and repairing water pumps in refugee camps, Maboko’s project has provided clean water to 300,000 people in Kenya. “Through my experience at UWC, I decided to serve others. I believe that the solutions to our problems lie within us. My education has taught me to be the change I wish to see in the world.” His work exemplifies the power of education in driving community-based solutions to global challenges.
Looking Ahead
The UWC model demonstrates the critical role education plays in addressing the global refugee crisis. By providing young refugees with tools to rebuild their lives and communities, initiatives like the Refugee Initiative and Amala Changemaker Programme are paving the way for sustainable solutions to poverty and displacement. Moreover, as refugee numbers continue to rise, supporting inclusive educational programs like UWC is essential. These ongoing initiatives improve individual lives, contributing to long-term global stability by fostering leaders equipped to create positive change.
– Georgia Wells
Georgia is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Technologyfor The Borgen Project.
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