From Uganda’s Refugee Settlements to German Universities
In refugee settlements, education often begins as a fragile hope, yet for some, it becomes a powerful tool for change.
Supported by Finn Church Aid (FCA) Uganda and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), fifteen refugee youths have received scholarships to pursue higher education in Germany under the Malengo Uganda–Germany Program, turning years of struggle into new beginnings.
The program enables high-achieving Ugandan students, including refugees, to pursue Bachelor’s Degrees in Germany.
From the cattle kraal to International Business
For John Alier Abolich Chol, fleeing South Sudan in 2016 was not the end of his story, but a chance to continue learning against all odds.
“After primary school, my father wanted me to stop studying and join the cattle kraal,” John recalls. “But I knew I wanted a different future.”
In Uganda, Abolich was settled in Adjumani Refugee Settlement.
“I wanted to go to school so badly that I always found my way to nearby schools,” he says. “I was fortunate to receive scholarships that allowed me to continue my studies and through hard work, I completed my secondary education in 2023.”
After finishing secondary school, he began searching for university scholarships to further his education. That’s when he learned about the Malengo Program through a friend.
With guidance from FCA Uganda’s Complementary Pathways staff during webinar sessions that explained the scholarship criteria and eligibility requirements, Abolich successfully secured the scholarship.
FCA also supported him through the pre-departure process, helping him obtain his Convention Travel Document (CTD) and participate in cultural orientation sessions to prepare for life abroad.
Today, John is set to study International Business and Economics in Germany.
“The economic situation in South Sudan inspired me to study economics,” he says. “With this knowledge, I want to change my life and contribute to the economy of my country.”
“After graduation, I want to pursue a Master’s degree. My dream is to return to Uganda and South Sudan and help build stronger economies for both countries,” he adds.
To his peers still in the settlements, John offers encouragement:
“The journey is long, but the opportunities are many. I encourage students to search for as much information as they can. Too many have never heard of these programs. I hope they can reach more people.”
“I appreciate Malengo, UNHCR and FCA for supporting me to achieve my dream. Without them, I would not be here today.”
Riak advocates for vocational education
Simon Deng Atem Riak fled South Sudan in 2014 and was settled in Ayilo II Refugee Settlement in Adjumani District. A year later, he lost his mother.
“The school where my mother worked allowed my brother and me to study for free after her death,” Simon recalls. “That support kept me going.”
Riak completed his secondary education with high grades. But because he didn’t have the funds to continue, he applied for numerous scholarships.
Although his first application to the Malengo program in April 2024 was unsuccessful, he reapplied in October and was accepted.
He is now going to study Mechanical Engineering at Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences. He credits FCA Uganda and UNHCR for connecting him to the opportunity.
“I heard about Malengo through FCA,” he says. “The team came to talk to us about the opportunities FCA shares with refugees. They kept posting them in our WhatsApp group and Malengo was one of them.”
FCA also guided him through key pre-departure steps, including securing his Convention Travel Document (CTD) and exit permit.
“I want to promote vocational training in refugee settlements because it provides a vital source of income for many people.” Riak says.
Building a future in Civil Engineering
Born in Uganda to South Sudanese parents who fled in 2000, Emmanuel Bullen Juwi grew up in Rhino Camp, acutely aware of the struggle to stay in school.
“My father worked odd jobs just so I could study,” Juwi says. “Every term depended on whether he found work.”
His fascination with construction and design began in childhood. “I used to make toys out of whatever I found,” he laughs. “I just wanted to understand how things were built.”
After his first unsuccessful application for the Malengo Scholarship in 2023, Juwi tried again the next year and succeeded.
He will study Sustainable Civil Engineering at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt.
Juwi dreams of returning to South Sudan to rebuild infrastructure and create opportunities for others.
“I want to improve medical facilities and support street children,” he says. “Everyone can go through school, but are you humble enough to let school go through you?”
Building hope from the ground up
For Omega Come Karparwth, education began as a fight for survival. When war broke out in 2013, he and his family fled to Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement with nothing.
“We lived in tents that were washed away by rain,” he recalls. “I worked as a bricklayer in primary school to help my mother and brothers.”
With help from various non-governmental organizations, the family built a more stable home.
In 2023, Karparwth discovered the Malengo Scholarship through FCA’s Complementary Pathways WhatsApp channel.
“I saw the opportunity there,” he says. “FCA kept posting about scholarships, and my brother encouraged me to apply.”
In 2024, he was selected on his first attempt to study Mechanical Engineering at Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences. FCA supported him through travel document processing and language testing.
Hs message to fellow youths is:
“Take education seriously. It’s what will save you. And love one another. Hatred and tribalism are why we are here as refugees. Unity can take us forward.”
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Text and Images by Linda Kabuzire and Rose Awien / FCA