A Second Chance for Joseph and a New Direction for Salha
Text & Images: Linda Kabuzire & Souzi Osman / FCA
When Joseph John Wani received the news that he had been selected for the University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE 8.0) scholarship, it was a moment of pride for him and his family.
He is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Verona, Italy.
It was also a reminder that an earlier setback does not have to determine what comes next.
Another scholar, Salha Mohammed, is also making the most of this opportunity.
Having fled Sudan because of conflict, she now has the chance to continue her education in a field that brings together her interests in technology and clinical science.
Joseph and Salha are among 56 refugees who, with support from Finn Church Aid (FCA) Uganda, International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), are pursuing Master’s Degrees at universities in Italy in 2026 under the UNICORE 8.0 scholarship.
Funded by a consortium of 33 Italian universities and coordinated by UNHCR Italy, the programme aims to increase refugee enrolment in Italian universities.
The scholarship covers tuition, travel, accommodation, health insurance, language training, a monthly stipend, visa fees, learning materials and onboarding support to enable students settle into their new environment.
Joseph John Wani: The value of trying again
Joseph’s selection for UNICORE 8.0 came after an unsuccessful attempt in the previous edition, UNICORE 7.0.
He had reached the interview stage but was not selected. Rather than give up, he decided to apply again.
“I did not allow that disappointment to stop me. I tried again for UNICORE 8.0, and this time, I was selected.”
The experience taught him not to see an unsuccessful attempt as the end of an opportunity.
“Failure is not the end of your journey. Sometimes, it is an opportunity to learn, improve and come back stronger.”
The news of his selection was particularly meaningful to his family.
Joseph is the first child in his family, and the first person in his clan, to travel abroad for Postgraduate studies.
“Seeing how proud they were made the achievement even more special to me.”
Now pursuing a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence, Joseph has ambitions that go beyond completing his studies.
He wants to build a career in the field and develop an application that makes financial guidance more accessible.
“My long-term goal is to develop an AI-powered application that acts as a personal financial management agent, helping people manage their money, make informed financial decisions, save wisely and plan for a better future.”
He also hopes to mentor young people, particularly those from refugee backgrounds, who want to develop skills in Technology and Digital Innovation.
Salha Mohammed: From Medicine to Biotechnology
Salha came to Uganda from Sudan in 2023 after conflict forced her to leave.
Before arriving, she had completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery.
She later took on her internship in Uganda, but continuing her education remained important to her.
She learnt about the scholarship through a friend who had received it the previous year and was already studying in Italy.
Hearing about her friend’s experience encouraged Salha to apply and sought guidance from FCA staff about the scholarship call and webinar sessions.
She is now pursuing a Master’s Degree in Biotechnology at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli.
Her choice of course brings together her interests in technology and clinical science. She also sees potential for the field to grow in Sudan, where she says relatively few people are working in it.
“I chose Biotechnology because it combines technology and clinical science. In Sudan, it is a marketable course, and there are still few people working in this field.”
For Salha, the scholarship has made it possible to continue an ambition she once thought might be out of reach.
“I never thought I would continue with my dream. When I came to Uganda and got this opportunity, it opened a new chance for me to continue my studies and achieve my dreams.”
Moving to Italy has brought adjustments, including learning a new language and adapting to a different culture.
Leaving her brother and sister in Uganda was also difficult, and she misses them.
Looking ahead, Salha hopes to pursue a PhD if another opportunity becomes available. She would also like to use her medical and scientific background to establish her own clinic.
Sharing the opportunity with others
Salha’s experience has shaped how she thinks about other refugees who may be considering applying for scholarships. She says she was initially unsure whether UNICORE was genuine. Seeing someone she knew receive the scholarship changed her mind.
“Some people do not believe these scholarships are real. At the beginning, I also did not believe, but when my friend got one, I believed. It will open more doors for them.”
For Joseph and Salha, studying in Italy is an opportunity to continue their education and pursue goals they once thought might be difficult to achieve.
Both are grateful to FCA, IRC and UNHCR for the support they received throughout the application and documentation processes.
Now settled into their studies, they are embracing the experience, adjusting to a new environment and making the most of an opportunity that means a great deal to them and their families.
Read more: Meet fellow UNICORE 8.0 scholars John Kato and Yafiet Debesai in: Building Futures Beyond Displacement in the eyes of John and Yafiet – UNICORE 8.0 – FCA Uganda
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