FAWE, Mastercard unlock varsity doors for refugees

  Key information to consider: Around 700 students, including refugees who once worried their schooling was over, are now accessi...

 

Key information to consider:

• Around 700 students, including refugees who once worried their schooling was over, are now accessing higher education.

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For numerous refugee students in Uganda, their aspirations for education frequently crumble due to the immense burden of poverty. Parents residing in settlements like Kyaka II, situated in the Kyegegwa District, seldom have the financial means to pay for schooling beyond the elementary level.

This year, 700 young people — refugees and vulnerable nationals — got a lifeline through the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) bursary scheme, supported by the Mastercard Foundation. Among them is Ruth Uwera, a refugee from DR Congo who arrived in Uganda in 2016. Then in Primary Six, she faced a language barrier.

"When I first arrived in Uganda, I didn't believe I would be able to pursue my education. My vocabulary was extremely limited; 'Okay' was practically the only word I knew. While I could comprehend what people said, I struggled to express myself verbally." When she was in the second year of secondary school, her parents encouraged her to quit, but she refused.

I informed my mother, "I'm staying put." I recall packing my textbooks, despite lacking basic necessities like soap and sanitary pads. I insisted to her, "Allow me to carry my suitcase on my head and go back to Mubende District, where I've been attending school."

Lacking scholarship support, Uwera took on temporary work during school breaks and occasionally missed lessons to make money. She financed her own secondary education. Thanks to a FAWE grant, she can now pursue a degree in Medicine and Surgery at Cavendish University.

"FAWE stepped in to support me like my own family. I am grateful to them, and I pray for their well-being," she expressed. In Mbale, Faith Jacinta Longora resorted to making and selling *ajono*, a traditional local beverage, to make ends meet after she was unable to attend university.

She stated that her father, the sole provider for eight children, was unable to pay for her education. The money earned sustained her siblings' schooling and provided for the family's needs. She is now also one of the individuals benefiting from this support.

Second chance at education

These scholarships are part of the Higher Education Access Programme (HEAP). This year, HEAP granted 500 spots in the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) program and 200 in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). According to Suzan Opok Tumusiime, the executive director of FAWE, the program offers more than just financial assistance for tuition.

“Beyond tuition and stipends, FAWE Uganda offers psychosocial support and mentorship. Our target is to ensure that at least 80 percent of the girls access this bursary. Education is the strongest shield against teenage pregnancy and early marriage.”

Now in its second stage, the program has grown to include 63 districts this year. The initial stage had already resulted in 334 students enrolling, 221 completing their studies, and almost 200 finding employment. Uganda's overall higher education enrollment rate is only 6.8 percent, which is less than the sub-Saharan average of 9.4 percent. HEAC, which is recognized as an alternative path to university admission, aims to close this disparity.

"This marks a significant advancement in creating opportunities for students who might otherwise be excluded because of ingrained obstacles," stated Professor Ikoja Odongo, the president of Soroti University.

Voices of hope

Smith Gift, also a recipient of aid from Kyaka II, almost quit his education after finishing Senior Six due to an outstanding school bill of Shs600,000.

As a refugee, I experienced hardship. Occasionally, kind individuals assisted with my school expenses," he stated. "When FAWE contacted me to verify my selection, I was in disbelief. I give thanks to God for making this a reality.

He's going to study Clinical Medicine at Mildmay to earn a diploma. Community representatives believe this program will have effects lasting for generations.

“When you educate one young person from a disadvantaged background, you are uplifting an entire family, sometimes a whole village,” said Andrew Leru, chief administrative officer of Manafwa District.

Joseph Adiyama, head of programmes at FAWE, urged focus: “At university, there are no free marks because one is an orphan or vulnerable. That word ends there. From that point on, only performance will keep you in school.”

Stakeholders’ say

John Bosco Kyaligonza, the deputy refugee desk officer at the Prime Minister's Office in Mbarara, expressed his gratitude to the organization for providing scholarships to refugees, pointing out that a significant number frequently face difficulties in registering for advanced studies.

"I want to acknowledge FAWE and the Mastercard Foundation. I'm not sure if you realize it, but resources worldwide are dwindling, which makes it harder for governments to provide all the required services to refugees," he stated.

“If the responsibility were left solely to government, many would miss the opportunity due to limited resources,” said Prof Odongo.

“We believe this scholarship will help you become productive people in our country, the region, and Africa as a whole.”

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