Right to Education for Refugee Youth

We assist refugee youth in applying for and securing scholarships while equipping them with the skills and support needed for success. Through specialized readiness programs, we focus on enhancing their academic abilities, fostering cultural adaptation, and building emotional resilience to help them excel throughout their educational journey. 

We have listened to the stories of young refugees like Christa, who said: “My ambition was to go to university. Today, I just hope I can eat.” No young person should ever have to trade their education for survival. As an organization, we believe that education is the most powerful way to build dignity and a future worth living. The Voices of Refugee Youth study shows that 60% of refugee graduates in Rwanda are blocked from higher education by poverty and lack of scholarships. When education is denied, the potential, hope, and peace are denied too.

This is our moment to act. By expanding scholarships, integrating refugees into national education plans, and investing in language and mentorship programs, we can unlock opportunities for thousands of young people like Christa. Education is not a privilege—it is a right.

1. 1951 Refugee Convention, Article 22
   Explicitly guarantees refugees the same access to education as nationals of the host country, including elementary education.

2. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Article 13
   Recognizes the right of everyone to education and obligates states to make education available and accessible to all, including refugees.

These provisions underscore education as a fundamental right that should be upheld regardless of an individual’s status or circumstances.

Recognizing the transformative power of education, we work to ensure that refugee youth can access quality learning opportunities that empower them to gain knowledge, develop skills, and create pathways to economic independence and meaningful contributions to their communities.  Through our advocacy efforts, we strive to bridge gaps in educational access and address barriers such as lack of resources, and systemic inequities. 

By upholding these rights, we aim to not only improve individual lives but also foster social cohesion and contribute to the development of resilient and inclusive communities.