28.1.2025

Careers day illuminates bright futures for refugee students

FCA, UNHCR and Kepler – a nonprofit higher education programme – came together with vulnerable refugee and host community youth who have not been able to gain university admission.

ON THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2025, the Finn Church Aid Solutions Hub hosted a careers day in Kampala, Uganda. The event aimed to equip students from under-served communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to make informed decisions about their academic and career paths.

Many secondary school students in Uganda – from both refugee and host community backgrounds – find it hard to access university education or find employment after graduation.  With extra help, such as upskilling, financial assistance or targeted information, they can align their aspirations with emerging market opportunities and their unique strengths. This means a better transition to tertiary opportunities.

Two people talk over a table during an outside event.
Students were able to engage at tables manned by organisations like Talent Beyond Boundaries, to explore potential career paths and seek guidance.

Finn Church Aid hosted the careers day in order to provide networking opportunities with industry professionals, who inspired and motivated students by showcasing success stories. This guidance helped students clarify their career goals and informed them about current job market trends, ultimately aiding them in making informed decisions about their education and career paths.

Many of the students present took part in the Iteme programme – developed by FCA partner Kepler. ‘Iteme’ means ‘bridge’ in the Kinyarwanda language – spoken in several East African countries including Uganda. The programme is designed for ambitious secondary school students and graduates from communities lacking in access to quality education.

Most Iteme students have completed secondary school, but have been unable to access tertiary education or career options because of skill gaps, lack of access to information about opportunities or financial challenges. Through the Iteme programme, students gained valuable skills in English language, professional competencies development, basic ICT and numeracy for higher education success.

A man with a microphone stands on a lawn and makes a speech. In the background are several banners with FCA and UNHCR logos.
Wycliffe Nsheka, Country Director of Finn Church Aid Uganda during opening remarks at the Careers Day.

Speaking during the event, Finn Church Aid Country Director Mr. Wycliffe Nsheka emphasised the importance of resilience and lifelong learning: “Resilience is key to navigating life’s challenges. Embrace every learning opportunity and keep moving forward.”

Joice Haroun, a former Iteme participant, also gave a speech. Initially interested in studying medicine, she shared how the programme taught her the importance of diversifying her opportunities:

A woman with a microphone stands on a lawn and makes a speech. In the background is a banner with FCA and UNHCR logos.
Joice Haroun, Iteme programme participant shared her experience with the audience at the careers day.

“Iteme taught me about having a Plan B and being open to new opportunities. Through the programme, I discovered a passion for business analytics and was fortunate enough to secure a fully funded scholarship to study at Kepler College in Kigali.”

Stella Bonard Ibango, Director of Humanitarian Programs at Kepler Kiziba Campus, provided an overview of the Iteme programme and highlighted future opportunities for students:

“The resilience and perseverance of our students are truly commendable. We are excited to see what the future holds for them, thanks to the continued support from Finn Church Aid.”

A man with a microphone stands on a lawn and makes a speech. In the background are several banners with FCA and UNHCR logos.
Stella Bonard Ibango, Director of Humanitarian Programs at Kepler, addressing the audience.

Project coordinator Price Mwizerwa-Iteme, also praised the wide-reaching effects of the programme but also of special events that enable networking:

“Through activities like career days, we continue to enhance students’ capacity to make informed career choices to transition smoothly from secondary education to tertiary institutions, contributing to their personal and professional development and fostering positive impact within their communities and creating a more educated and skilled workforce for sustainable livelihoods.”

Men and women dance on a lawn outside. Marquees are in the background.
Students from the Iteme programme performed a dance during the careers day.

The Careers Day also featured a exhibition showcasing the diverse skills acquired by the students during their training. The display included products made by the students, such as liquid soap, baked goods, and handmade chalk.

The event provided a valuable platform for students to explore future opportunities with universities and scholarship bodies. Representatives from various organisations, including Talent Beyond Boundaries, Makerere University, IUEA (International University of East Africa), and scholarship providers such as Mastercard Scholars Program at Makerere University, were present to offer guidance and share information about available and future opportunities.

Text and photos: Awien Rose, FCA Uganda