July 30, 2024 – In the wake of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, thousands of refugees have sought sanctuary in Uganda, facing the daunting challenge of integrating into a new society where English is the official language. For these displaced individuals, adult literacy becomes not just a pathway to communication and economic empowerment, but a crucial tool for rebuilding their lives and creating a new normalcy for themselves. Through informal education programs, these individuals can gain the skills necessary to navigate their new environment, foster community connections, and ultimately contribute to local and global peace and prosperity efforts.
At the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, WPDI has been actively engaged in providing Functional Adult Literacy (FAL) and English language training to women’s groups over the past years. However, between November 2023 and April 2024, we saw a significant increase in enrollment in FAL classes from newly arrived Sudanese refugees who only speak Sudanese Arabic. The ambition to integrate into their new environment has made it a necessity for them to prioritize learning English.
Currently, at WPDI’s Community Learning Center in the Kiryandongo refugee settlement, enrolment in FAL/English classes is at an all-time high, with 250 participants (145 males and 105 females), spanning both level one and two courses. The motivation among refugee learners – seeking proficiency in English to facilitate communication, writing, and the translation of their knowledge – is very clear and very high.
Sarah, a refugee from Sudan, highlighted how learning English was very important for her: “I came to Uganda as a refugee and the first challenge that I faced was speaking English since I only know Arabic. It was difficult for some time to adjust but while in the settlement I got to hear about WPDI programs from a friend who encouraged me to register for Functional Adult Literacy Class. I registered and now I can speak some English and am very eager to enroll in the business class so that I can learn about business. This is quite a rare opportunity for me because currently I can’t afford my education in school, so I’m very thankful to WPDI.”
Mohammed, another refugee from Sudan, exemplifies how fierce adversity cannot destroy a person’s optimism for the future. Being able to participate in the FAL program was very important to him: “Before coming to Uganda, I had a business, but the war disorganized everything and I lost it all. Right now, I am a refugee at the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, but I am not giving up. I still have hope of starting a business in the future but currently I don’t know English and it makes it hard for me to interact. I want to thank WPDI for giving me this rare opportunity to pick myself up again. I am determined to start a business again. I thank WPDI for this chance and indeed I am learning a lot including the culture and climate.”
At WPDI, we remain committed to complementing the Ugandan government’s efforts in supporting both its citizens and refugee communities. We are dedicated to mentoring and supporting this new generation of individuals who are not merely refugees but people with a potential to shine as peacebuilders or entrepreneurs, equipping them with the necessary tools to foster peace and create economic opportunities is a necessity and a sound investment in their personal development as well as the development of their community wherever they reside. Through our programs, these individuals will gain skills that can lead to positive economic outcomes and develop their self-reliance as they integrate into Ugandan communities. Moreover, when conditions permit their return to Sudan, they will be poised to contribute actively to rebuilding their nation.
Our work with these resilient individuals underscores WPDI’s belief in the transformative power of education and entrepreneurship in promoting stability and prosperity, both locally and globally.
This program is made possible thanks to the financial support of a foundation that wishes to remain anonymous.