By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: In a transformative keynote address at the high-level engagement titled “Policy, Practice, and Accreditation: Towards Connected Refugee Education HEAC Models,” Professor Jude Lubega, Vice Chancellor of Nkumba University, shed light on the critical need for integrated educational pathways for refugees. His address emphasized the role of digital technologies in establishing connected refugee education systems that prioritize access and inclusivity.
Professor Lubega noted that Uganda hosts over 1.7 million refugees, the largest number in Africa, and that our progressive refugee policies offer access to essential services including education. He elaborated on the critical barriers that refugees face, such as language obstacles and insufficient resources to move into private educational institutions.“While primary education enrollment for refugees is at 68%, secondary enrollment drops to 34%, and tertiary education is less than 5%, hencecalling for urgent action.”
Digging deeper into the specifics of the education infrastructure, Lubega illustrated the challenges of overcrowded classrooms and inadequate learning materials in refugee settlements, revealing that, infrastructure challenges significantly hinder educational access, as refugees often attend schools that are under-resourced.
In his address, he emphasized the importance of connected education, stating, “We must leverage digital technologies to enhance educational opportunities. Connected education can bridge the gap for refugee students, allowing them access to quality learning experiences.” He observed the potential of digital platforms to deliver education remotely, adding, “The difference between delivering a lecture from a settlement class and via video conference is profound; technology opens new avenues for engagement.”
Professor Lubega advocated for collaboration among stakeholders, urging that, together, we must collectively work to integrate digital solutions into refugee education. He added that by utilizing existing technologies and creating partnerships, they can significantly improve the quality of education available to refugees. He called attention to successful models already in place, such as “the coursera, a program supported by UNHCR, which demonstrates how digital initiatives can positively impact learning.”
Highlighting the importance of localizing educational content, he remarked, “Education must connect with the learners’ backgrounds and languages. We need to adapt our teaching methods to their understanding to eradicate language barriers.”
At one point, Professor Lubega emphasized the reality of refugee students as “digital children” who have grown up amidst technological advancements. He animatedly declared, “Assuming they cannot use mobile phones is misplaced; with the right resources, they are capable of leveraging technology for their education.”
He further discussed the necessity of strengthening digital infrastructure within refugee settlements, stating, “It is crucial to expand access to devices and internet connectivity to ensure that students can engage with learning materials effectively.” He noted, “We currently have availability of 4G in certain settlements; thus, the challenge is to harness this for educational purposes effectively.”
As he called for action, he noted, “We need policy support and funding to mobilize educational resources effectively. It is our responsibility to provide equitable educational opportunities for all.”
In closing, Lubega poignantly reflected on the broader impact of educational access, stating, “Education is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right. By enabling refugees to access quality education, we contribute to their empowerment and foster a more inclusive society.” He urged attendees to embrace the potential of connected education, suggesting that “our paradigm shift should focus on creativity in educational delivery. We must move beyond traditional methods and engage with learners in innovative ways.”
Professor Lubega’s insightful address articulated the challenges and opportunities in connected refugee education, emphasizing the crucial role of digital technologies as fundamental access pathways. This call for collaborative action underscores the urgency of improving educational access for refugees, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, can claim their right to quality education.
This article comprehensively covers Professor Lubega’s keynote address, encapsulating his arguments and proposals regarding connected education and the role of digital resources for refugees.