Access to higher education is a distant dream for most refugee youth in East Africa. Despite the availability of some scholarship opportunities, systemic challenges like academic unpreparedness, language barriers, and lack of mentorship prevent eligible refugee students from applying or succeeding.
RYCM’s Scholarship Navigation Hubs (SNHs) aim to close this gap by providing refugee youth with end-to-end support—from opportunity discovery to post-award transition. We offer localized hubs in refugee settlements and host communities, focused on mentorship, academic guidance, and readiness skills for scholarship success.
A Crisis of Access and Awareness
Despite the presence of education-focused aid programs, fewer than 1 in 20 refugee youth globally make it to higher education (UNHCR, 2023). The situation in East Africa is particularly concerning:
Uganda: Over 83% of refugee youth do not complete secondary education (UNHCR, 2023).
Rwanda: Only 1.4% of eligible refugee learners access tertiary education (WUSC Rwanda, 2022).
Even when fully-funded scholarships are available (e.g. Mastercard Foundation, DAFI), less than 15% of applicants meet academic or procedural requirements.
“It is time for the international community to recognize the injustice of denying refugee girls and women an education.” — Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, reflecting the urgent need to address the gender gap in refugee education.
Name: Justin Kayiranga
Location: Kiziba Refugee Camp, Rwanda
Background: Born in displacement after his family fled the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1996
Current Status: Mastercard Foundation Scholar, Biochemistry Student at University of Rwanda
Justin Kayiranga’s journey is a testament to the power of education and the role of scholarship navigation in transforming lives. Born and raised in Kiziba Refugee Camp, Rwanda, Justin was the youngest of eight children in a family struggling to rebuild their lives after fleeing conflict in eastern Congo. His early years were shaped by scarcity, uncertainty, and the hope that education might one day offer a way out.
From his first lessons in overcrowded, under-resourced camp schools, Justin excelled academically. His breakthrough came when World Vision Rwanda offered him a scholarship for Advanced Level studies in a boarding school. Yet, even as he excelled in high school, the idea of university remained a distant dream. His family had no means to support higher education, and his refugee status further complicated access to tertiary institutions.
“I had no hope of continuing to university because of my refugee status,” Justin recalled. “Even with good grades, the fees and application processes were beyond what I could manage.”
Instead of giving up, Justin turned to service. Back in Kiziba after A-levels, he began coaching younger students and volunteering as a primary school tutor. Though unpaid, his commitment was unwavering: “I did it without expecting anything in return. I just wanted to help others in my community.”
Then came an unexpected opportunity. Representatives from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program visited Kiziba Camp, offering a scholarship window for displaced youth. With guidance, application support, and renewed courage, Justin applied. He was selected.
“It was a moment I will never forget,” he shared. “It felt like the world had opened up for me.”
Today, Justin is pursuing Biochemistry at the University of Rwanda on a full scholarship—the first in his family to attend university. His journey underscores a vital truth: without access to accurate information, mentorship, and application support, countless deserving youth will never cross the threshold of higher education.
“Education has transformed my life. No matter where you come from or what struggles you face, it has the power to open doors you never imagined.”
Justin’s story illustrates both the urgent need and the transformational potential of Scholarship Navigation Hubs. Imagine the futures we could unlock with just a little guidance and belief.
Read more: refugeeycm.org/justin-kayiranga-from-refugee-camp-to-university
RYCM’s Scholarship Navigation Hubs are physical and mobile centers based in refugee settlements and urban host communities that provide holistic support to help refugee youth discover, apply for, and succeed in scholarship programs.
Program Components
A. Opportunity Mapping | B. Application Mentorship | C. English & Interview Coaching |
Create and regularly update a local repository of ongoing scholarship opportunities. Translate and simplify scholarship criteria into digestible formats. | Pair applicants with trained mentors (often past scholarship recipients) to guide them. Run 1-on-1 and group sessions on motivational writing, CV development, and personal statements. | Provide free English language prep classes tailored for scholarship readiness. Conduct mock interviews for shortlisted candidates with real evaluators. |
D. Document Readiness Clinics | E. Digital Access | F. Post-Award Transition Support |
Help applicants secure necessary documents (ID, transcripts, references). Offer scanning, printing, and submission assistance. | Create SNH mini-labs with computers and internet access. Partner with ISPs and device manufacturers to equip rural hubs. | Provide pre-departure orientation and psychosocial support for successful scholars. Maintain an alumni network to support incoming applicants. |
A robust M&E framework is built into SNH operations:
Baseline assessments for each student applicant.
Quarterly tracking of application progress and mentorship hours.
Annual impact evaluation through surveys, interviews, and follow-ups with scholarship providers.
Alumni engagement rate tracking.
| Phase | Activities | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Curriculum dev, staff recruitment, 3 pilot SNHs | Sep–Nov 2025 |
| 2 | Launch in Nakivale, Kyangwali, Mahama refugee camps | Dec 2025 |
| 3 | Mentor training & student onboarding | Jan–Feb 2026 |
| 4 | First cohort application cycle | Mar–June 2026 |
| 5 | Program evaluation & regional scale-up | Jul–Sep 2026 |
To reach over 10,000 youth in 3 years, RYCM seeks:
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Setup per SNH hub (space, devices) | $6,000 |
| Annual mentor stipend & training | $2,000 / hub |
| Program Coordinator per country | $10,000 / year |
| Online platform dev & maintenance | $8,000 |
| Total Year 1 Budget (6 hubs) | $68,000 |
Partner With Us:
Education Institutions – Offer direct linkages to scholarship portals.
Foundations/Donors – Sponsor one or more hubs.
Tech Partners – Provide laptops, tablets, routers, or cloud storage.
Alumni Networks – Offer volunteer mentorship to new applicants.
At RYCM, we believe that a refugee child’s zip code should never determine their future. A generation of brilliant minds waits in settlements, not for pity—but for access.
Your support can empower refugee youth with education, skills, and opportunities to lead change in their communities.
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