Barriers to accessing secondary education among refugee children in Nakivale refugee settlement

Abstract

The objective of the study was to assess the barriers to accessing secondary education among refugee children in the Nakivale refugee settlement. The study also sought to examine factors influencing limited access to secondary education among refugee children, understand challenges that students face in obtaining a secondary education and evaluate potential solutions brought up by research participants, and establish strategies to improve access to secondary education among refugee children in the Nakivale refugee camp. Qualitative research was conducted through interviews with key community stakeholders including students, secondary school teachers, parents of students, and implementing partners in Nakivaale Refugee Settlement, Uganda. Barriers revealed can be grouped into two distinct categories: logistical limitations of financial resources of both families and schools, and structural challenges related to community factors such as the under prioritization of girls’ education and challenges at home. Solutions shared include increasing funding prioritization of education by the Ugandan government and the implementing partners, community dialogues, and local business initiatives. By interacting with community members, the researcher sought to analyze the relationship between refugee youth, implementing partners, and the Ugandan government to pursue opportunities for stakeholders to work together and fully support refugee education to empower refugee students to create positive change in both their countries of origin and host communities