How courage shaped a Mastercard Foundation Scholar’s online learning experience from Kakuma Refugee Camp

The University supports Refugee Week, an annual festival around World Refugee Day on 20 June, celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Refugee Week 2026’s theme is Courage.

Refugee Week 2026

For Niyongabo Vincent, courage is not the absence of fear but it is choosing to persevere despite it. Courage became the foundation of his educational journey. “I can personally define courage as a decision taken to confront whatever difficulties lie ahead in order to accomplish set objectives regardless of struggles and failures,” said Niyongabo.

Building connections with peers became essential to overcoming fear and confronting challenges. Niyongabo emphasises that during the seven-week online orientation organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the sense of belonging through peer communities and WhatsApp groups made him feel connected and supported, fostering hope amid uncertainty.

Behind every online class attended from a refugee camp is a story of perseverance that many people do not see. In Kakuma, learning is often disrupted by electricity outages, poor internet connectivity, and environmental factors like heavy rains that can paralyse activities. Niyongabo regularly has to navigate these obstacles, such as his computer shutting down unexpectedly, which makes it difficult to meet deadlines and stay focused.

“My perseverance and resilience make me face difficulties by not giving up,” he says, inspiring others to recognise resilience as a powerful strength.

In July 2018, Niyongabo faced one of the saddest days of his life when he lost his firstborn daughter on the day he graduated with a Diploma in Social Work and Liberal Studies from Regis University. Niyongabo felt that this devastating experience had ended his educational journey forever, but with continued support from the academic program manager, counselling, refocusing on his goals, and connecting with others, he resumed his studies and completed a Bachelor's degree. He is now finishing the first year of his part-time MSc in Social Justice and Community Action at the University of Edinburgh.

Many people assume that one only needs a laptop and an internet connection to study successfully online. However, for many refugee learners, the pursuit of education is balanced against survival. “As a head of family, I have to fulfil all my duties as a father,” Niyongabo explains. “Performing community services to gain something to feed my family is also another challenge. I can tell you that integrating online learning into family life is very challenging.”

He believes the skills he developed as an online distance learner deserve more recognition. These include setting goals, creating meaningful connections, and the ability to multitask. “This online learning needs flexibility in terms of time management,” he highlights. “When you feel afraid to fight the challenges, the challenges will win over you.”

Understanding these challenges can help organisations develop targeted solutions to support refugee online learners more effectively.
 

Despite numerous difficulties, Niyongabo shared that being part of a supportive and diverse community was one of the most valuable experiences of his journey as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar. He sees it as “the source of strength and hope,” reminding all that hope can be nurtured through community and support.

Student-led events allowed Niyongabo to learn from diverse cultures and to hear from students further ahead in their studies. “When I meet someone one year ahead of me or a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumna, it shows me that one day I will complete my studies and become the person of my dreams,” Niyongabo adds.

The Accountability Program of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program connects all first-year online Mastercard Foundation Scholars to a peer as an accountability partner. Niyongabo especially appreciates the encouragement of a fellow student representative and his accountability partner, Gertrude, who regularly checks in on him and helps guide him toward support when needed. The Accountability Program helps them both grow academically and personally.

Recently, Niyongabo worked as a teaching assistant with the Open Society University Network (OSUN) hubs, where he supported and encouraged other online learners navigating challenges similar to those he experienced first-hand, drawing from the things he learned while studying online at the University of Edinburgh.

The motivational quote that has guided Niyongabo throughout his life is the one by Albert Einstein: “Learn from yesterday. Live today. Hope for tomorrow.” He adds that these words encourage him to seek wisdom and to remain determined to achieve his goals despite all the challenges. “Challenges are temporary,” he says, and he refuses to let them change his objectives.

As we celebrate the courage of refugees this Refugee Week, Niyongabo’s story is one of courage and perseverance amid uncertainty, the bravery to seek connection despite fear and distance, and the willingness to support others who may face similar challenges.