By Divine Mugisha and Brenda Odhiambo

For World Refugee Day, we sat down with Divine Mugisha, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at USIU-Africa in her second year in the BA Psychology program. Divine comes from Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi, where she has lived for 19 years, and which she calls her only home. The aspiring change-maker shares her journey from Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi, as well as some of the dreams and aspirations she has for her future.

What has been the impact of being a Mastercard Foundation Scholar on your educational journey and your dreams for the future?

Being a Mastercard Foundation Scholar has given me hope and capital for a better future. Many people take education for granted, but for refugees, education is hope, freedom, a human right, a sense of belonging, a ticket to change my life, and an asset to make the world a better place. When I thought I would never get a chance to pursue higher education, the Mastercard Foundation gave me the opportunity not only to further my education at a good institution but also to build me into a future leader. I always wanted to be a change-maker, but I often felt like my situation was a significant barrier. My parents always told me, “You can’t change the world when you yourself are struggling.”

I love supporting and helping people from the same background, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa has turned my dreams into attainable goals and my passion into purpose. Despite the negativity and all the impossibilities that we face as refugees, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has helped me break free from limitations. Everything that seemed impossible now feels possible. It's not about the world stopping me; the only person stopping me is myself. I proudly say that I can be whoever I want to be in the world, and I am going to be a change-maker.

What are you currently studying at USIU-Africa, and why did you choose this field? How has your experience shaped your educational goals?

I currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, which I credit as a redirection by God onto the right path, because I never knew I would even study Psychology. In a refugee camp full of people who have gone through traumatic events, there were no services available to offer mental health support.

Many individuals in the camp lack access to effective mental health support, leading them to cope in ways that can be harmful, such as through substance abuse, which has tragically resulted in loss of life among the youth, while some exhibit severe psychological distress. My experience volunteering with Brazilian psychologists from Fraternidade sem Fronteiras, an NGO that supports people in situations of vulnerability or social risk in Sub-Saharan Africa and Brazil opened my eyes to the profound, unseen pain people endure. Despite seeming fine externally, many are deeply affected by their traumas. This experience motivated me to pursue psychology to help address these hidden struggles and promote healing.

I initially aspired to alleviate poverty, but I came to the realization that simply providing monetary aid isn't always effective. This led me to the idea of addressing underlying traumas, empowering individuals to take control of their lives. Currently, I'm dedicated to learning practical approaches to tackle mental health issues in my community. My educational journey is driven by a passion for solving tangible problems, particularly integrating mental health support as a crucial component for refugee communities' long-term stability.

Have you faced any specific challenges as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar from a displaced background? If so, how did you overcome them?

Being a Mastercard Foundation Scholar from a displaced background at USIU-Africa is sometimes scary. Personally, these moments are particularly daunting as I grapple with the prospect of returning home and the fear of being stigmatized. My sense of identity feels uncertain, especially during events like Culture Week, where I struggled to find my place. There are times when stress and anxiety overwhelm me, making it difficult to focus on my studies as I continue to heal from past traumas. Bridging the gaps in my previous secondary school education poses a significant challenge. Often, I feel like I'm playing catch-up, needing to grasp concepts I missed while also keeping pace with my current coursework.

I look at my educational journey as one of personal growth, where I confront my fears and any obstacles to reach my aspirations for a brighter future. My dreams are bigger than my challenges; they serve not as barriers to deter me, but as opportunities for growth. If my future is different, then my community’s future will be different too. I know it is hard for the world to change, but I am committed to changing myself, seeking every opportunity to do things differently and live differently.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team, the Counselling Centre and my fellow Mastercard Foundation Scholars have been critical in walking this journey with me. It is easier to overcome challenges now because I don’t feel alone; I have a whole team cheering and supporting me. I feel powerful enough to fight and win this battle of attaining a different future for myself and for others.

How do you hope to use your education to give back to your community, either at home, or in your host country?

As a psychologist, I dream of becoming a researcher and advocate of how mental health awareness can be leveraged to empower vulnerable populations. I envision myself studying, developing, and teaching methods to overcome mental health struggles, boost productivity, and foster a sustainable future for these communities. Furthermore, I plan to write books exposing the link between poor mental health and poverty among refugees and marginalized groups. My ultimate goal is to dismantle these "psychic prisons" by advocating for the integration of mental health awareness and services into educational institutions, starting from preschool.

I aim to revolutionize refugee education by implementing innovative approaches and building a free, world-class secondary school in Malawi, with plans to extend this initiative to other settlements. Additionally, my vision encompasses integrating psychological knowledge and services into educational institutions, starting at the pre-school level, and writing books that underscore the impact of poor mental health on marginalized communities and the importance of overcoming psychological barriers.

How has your experience influenced your perspective on education and community service?

I love learning, and I believe in the power of education. Education has not only empowered me but also given me the ability to be a change-maker in the world and contribute to its betterment. While my parents don't have material wealth to pass down to me, education has become my greatest asset for building a better future.

Giving back to my community appeals to me deeply, because since I was a nine-month-old in the refugee camp, I have relied on the generosity of others for survival. I understand firsthand the impact that small acts of kindness can have on those who lack the means to help themselves. Without the kindness of others, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to even envision a hopeful future through education or any other means. I see this as a gift from a higher power, granting me the chance to receive so that I may also give back to others. Therefore, my daily pursuits, passion, and purpose revolve around giving back and serving individuals who find themselves in similar circumstances.

I founded the Supportive Pillar Organization in 2021 to reduce poverty among young people and the wider community by supporting them in completing their secondary education and helping them transition into higher education. To date, we have supported more than 40 young people, including refugees and Malawians living in extreme poverty, who had either dropped out of school or were on the verge of dropping out due to financial constraints. We believe that education lifts people's lives, and our goal is to build a secondary school that provides quality education and a foundation for entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership skills.

What advice would you give to other young refugees who are aspiring to pursue higher education?

I understand that many young individuals may feel discouraged about education. Sometimes, it may seem like there's no clear path forward. However, when you begin to pursue higher education, you'll discover numerous opportunities that may not have been apparent initially. It's common for people to feel overwhelmed at the thought of what lies ahead, but it's important not to give up before giving it a chance.

Just as James Clear said in the book ‘Atomic Habits,’ the vision or the goal doesn’t matter as much; instead, take care of the systems or steps, and the goal will be achieved. Always prioritize the first steps you need to take, and the goal will be attained eventually. One of the best steps you can take as a young person is to pursue higher education. In my country, we say, “Education can lift you from the dust and make you sit with kings.” Pursuing higher education is the best choice you will ever make; university may be challenging, but the end of the road is worth the fight. I always tell myself I have two options: remain in the same situation or work hard and be able to live in a different situation.

As refugees, we are sometimes discouraged by the fact that policies will always be against our dreams—no employment for refugees, no work permits, or other necessary documents. However, higher education opens doors to diverse opportunities post-graduation. The world is evolving into a global community where factors like status, gender, and nationality matter less in the workplace, with skills taking precedence. Additionally, remote work has expanded job prospects, reducing the impact of restrictive policies.

How do you think the global community can better support refugees in accessing education and opportunities?

Firstly, increase the number of scholarship opportunities available for refugees to pursue education. Improve the quality of education in refugee resettlements by investing in quality education for refugees. Understand that refugee status is just like any other nationality and allow refugees to apply for the same educational opportunities.

Advocate for changes in policies for refugees, ensuring they are not only written but also implemented. The 2015 World Refugee Day theme stated: “A refugee is a human being just like you and me. Refugees need what other people need. They have dreams, abilities, and can be a valuable asset to the world if given access to human rights just like any other person. When you come across a refugee, remember they are a person just like you and me.”

Help refugees adapt to the changing tech world. In countries where refugees are not allowed to be employed, they should be able to compete for remote work opportunities.

Empower refugees to be at the forefront of making the change they want to see in the world by supporting them with skills and funds for those who have ideas, businesses, and nonprofits.