By John Kusolo
On December 17, 2024, the Refugee Law Project (RLP) held a momentous 13th graduation ceremony for refugees who successfully completed the English for Adults (EFA) program. The ceremony took place at Old Kampala Primary School Grounds, with 86 refugees graduating after months of intensive learning. The EFA program, a key initiative under RLP’s Access to Justice Programme, aims to empower refugees and asylum seekers with essential language skills, promoting their integration into urban communities in Kampala and enhancing their ability to defend and demand their rights.
*English for Adults Program: A Pathway to Empowerment*
The EFA program, which has been running since 2007, is designed to equip refugees with critical English language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, numeracy, and listening. According to Dr. Pius D. Ojara, Director of the Refugee Law Project and a key architect of the program, the goal is to not only teach refugees English but also to educate them on their legal rights as refugees in Uganda. By empowering refugees with English, the program enables them to better engage with their social and economic rights, access financial literacy, understand sexual and reproductive health rights, and even learn about environmental management.
Dr. Ojara emphasized the long-term vision of the program: preparing refugees for further education and enabling them to integrate into Ugandan society effectively. "Through this program, we are equipping refugees to speak about their rights, defend them, and engage in meaningful conversations that can transform their lives," Ojara said.
*Collaboration with Makerere University and Scholarships*
One of the standout features of the EFA program is its partnership with Makerere University’s MasterCard Scholars Program. This collaboration has provided refugees with an incredible opportunity to further their education. Dr. Ojara revealed that this year, 31 out of 100 refugees admitted for scholarships under the MasterCard Scholars Program were refugees. This partnership underscores the Refugee Law Project's commitment to not just providing language skills, but also offering pathways for academic advancement and social mobility.
The EFA program's impact on its participants is profound, with many graduates sharing their experiences of how learning English has changed their lives. Apollo Mulondo, a facilitator of the EFA course, highlighted that the program’s success is not limited to English language acquisition.
"In addition to learning English, our refugees are also taught about law and human rights," Mulondo explained. "This comprehensive approach enables them to find jobs, access services, and even resettle in other countries. With English, they can engage with the world around them more effectively."
Refugees who have gone through the program have reported several life-changing benefits. These include the ability to express themselves before duty bearers, pursue further education within Uganda's formal education system, and participate in social change activities within both refugee and host communities. The program also helps refugees improve their economic well-being, transact business, and compete for jobs in an increasingly competitive job market. Moreover, the language skills acquired through the EFA program significantly ease the process of resettlement applications, particularly for those seeking to move to Europe or North America.
The Refugee Law Project has been at the forefront of promoting literacy and skills development among refugees, and the EFA program is a cornerstone of this effort. The program currently serves urban refugees in Kampala and rural refugees in districts such as Kiryandongo, Adjumani, Lamwo, Isingiro, Kikube, and Yumbe. Refugees in these areas not only gain language skills but also the confidence to participate actively in their communities, thereby contributing to social cohesion and development.
"The integration of literacy and skills development has been invaluable to refugees," said Dr. Ojara. "They view these skills as inseparable and essential for their well-being. It's about transforming lives, improving livelihoods, and opening doors to new opportunities."
As the 13th graduation ceremony concluded, the Refugee Law Project celebrated its continued success in offering life-changing opportunities to refugees. The program’s impact extends beyond language acquisition—it's about equipping refugees with the tools to thrive socially, economically, and personally.
The Refugee Law Project continues to offer free English courses, and in the 3rd week of January 2025, another intake will open for all Ugandans and refugees interested in improving their language skills. This inclusive approach ensures that anyone in need of basic English literacy has access to quality education, fostering a more inclusive society where language barriers no longer stand in the way of opportunity.
The Refugee Law Project's 13th graduation ceremony was more than just a celebration of academic achievement; it was a testament to the transformative power of education.
By empowering refugees with English language skills, the EFA program not only opens doors to greater social, economic, and legal engagement but also strengthens the foundation for long-term integration and resettlement. Through collaborations like that with Makerere University’s MasterCard Scholars Program, the Refugee Law Project is shaping a future where refugees can lead productive, empowered lives, contributing positively to both their host communities and their countries of origin.
With continued support and expansion, the English for Adults program remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for refugees in Uganda and a model of how language education can play a pivotal role in the lives of forced migrants.
Jolly Okumu, Program Lead, MasterCard Scholars Program, Makerere University encouraged the graduates to apply for scholarships.
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