Global Initiative Bi-Weekly Newsletter

 

                                                                         June 12 to June 30, 2026

UNCHR

UNHCR: Refugees in Eastern and Southern Africa remain in exile for nearly 16 years GENEVA – Refugees in Eastern and Southern Africa remain in exile for a median period of almost 16 years, according to new analysis by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, underscoring the urgent need to expand solutions. The analysis, based on UNHCR’s registration data between 2001 and 2025, shows that displacement in the region is rarely short-term. At the end of 2025, 6.4 million refugees and asylum-seekers were recorded in UNHCR’s registration system across the region. Many had escaped war, instability and persecution in countries such as Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia, and continue to be hosted mainly by neighboring countries, including Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya. The data will form part of UNHCR's 2025 Global Trends Report, with updated global displacement figures, to be released on June 11. “Asylum saves lives, but after nearly 16 years of living in limbo, refugees need more than help; they need hope, opportunity and a way forward,” said Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa. “We need to move faster towards real solutions, helping refugees return home when it is safe to do so, and ensuring those who cannot return are able to study, work, support themselves and contribute to their communities.”

Rwanda 

Rwanda’s Refugee Strategy Focuses on Building Communities, Not Just Camps Rwanda’s Cabinet has approved a new financing agreement that will allow a major refugee support program to continue, bringing more schools, roads, health facilities and jobs to communities that host refugees across the country. The decision, approved on Monday, covers the second phase of the Jya Mbere Project, a program that supports both refugees and the Rwandan communities living alongside them. While refugee programs are often associated with food aid and emergency assistance, Rwanda’s approach has focused on something different: investing in the areas where refugees live so that local residents benefit as well. Rwanda currently hosts nearly 140,000 refugees and asylum seekers, most of them from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. Many live in camps located in districts that already face development challenges. Rather than directing support only to refugee camps, the government and its partners have been investing in infrastructure that serves everyone.

KEPLER - ALUMNI STORY 

From Classroom to CEO: The Journey of Lys Roberta Sangwe 

In celebration of Kepler's 20th anniversary of empowering futures, we are proud to feature the remarkable story of Lys Roberta Sangwe, the founder of Punda Group. 

Lys's journey is a powerful testament to how education can serve as a launchpad for entrepreneurial success. Her path, from a student in the classroom to the CEO of her own company, embodies the very spirit of innovation and determination that Kepler seeks to foster. 

While the full details of her story are captured in her #Kepler20 feature, what stands out is the transformative power of resilience and vision. Lys has taken the skills and knowledge gained during her educational journey and applied them to build a purpose-driven enterprise, serving as an inspiration to current students and aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. 

Her story reminds us that the classroom is not just a place of learning, but the starting point for leaders who will shape the future. Youtube Link

Kenya

Kenya reaffirms commitment to refugee protection as World Refugee Day 2026 marked Kenya has renewed its pledge to protect, include and empower refugees, with Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services Dr. Belio Kipsang saying the country’s work will not be complete until everyone is safe.
Dr. Kipsang was the guest speaker during the commemoration of World Refugee Day 2026 held at the University of Nairobi, under the theme "Until Everyone is Safe." The event brought together government officials, development partners, humanitarian organizations, refugee-led organizations, host communities, and other stakeholders to celebrate the resilience, courage, and achievements of refugees across the world. In his remarks, Dr. Kipsang reaffirmed Kenya’s unwavering commitment to refugee protection, inclusion, and the pursuit of sustainable solutions that uphold human dignity. He highlighted the importance of collective action, shared responsibility, and strengthened partnerships in ensuring that refugees are not only protected but also empowered to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.

Kenya Opens Door for Refugee Teachers to Join National Education System Kenya is taking significant steps toward recognizing and integrating qualified refugee teachers into the national education system as part of efforts to improve access to quality education for both refugee and host communities.
According to Save the Children Kenya, the initiative is being advanced through the TeachWell Voices Project, which has brought together key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), County Education Boards, UNHCR Kenya, and other education partners, to develop practical solutions for refugee teacher inclusion. The project has facilitated policy discussions that are now translating into concrete reforms aimed at strengthening education delivery in refugee-hosting regions. Among the measures under consideration are the recognition and validation of refugee teachers' qualifications, skills assessment, micro-credentialing programmes, and the registration of refugee schools. The reforms are expected to enable qualified refugee teachers to contribute their expertise while helping address teacher shortages in underserved areas.

JRS - KAKUMA, ALUMNI STORY

Flora Sida After finishing high school, my future felt uncertain due to limited access to quality higher education, but everything changed when I joined the Global Education Movement program, with this scholarship under JRS I completed AS and BA from Southern New Hampshire University through online studies. It was not an easy journey but JRS provided all the required support that kept me motivated. A year after completion, I was supported by JRS and secured a masters scholarship under Odyssey Program. Today, I have transformed from a student with limited options into a master’s scholar with purpose and confidence. The learning process made the biggest difference in my life. Currently, I support community education initiatives that help youths understand what is required of them to achieve their goals. GEM, JRS and SNHU did not just support me in the academic journey but they gave me hope, skills and the belief that everyone can learn, lead and lift others.

JRS - NAIROBI, ALUMNI STORY

Pacific, an alumnus of the GEM-SNHU program (2021–2023), credits the program for shaping both his professional and personal journey. Through internships and academic opportunities, he gained workplace exposure, leadership experience, and valuable skills in communication, facilitation, problem-solving, recruitment, and computer applications. One of his proudest moments was serving as an Academic Coach at JRS, a role he considered more than a job but a passion for supporting students. “Leadership is not about titles but how people are treated,” he says, reflecting on lessons learned from his supervisor, Mr. Enos.

Now residing in Canada, Pacific works as an Education Assistant at HCA, a Facilitator Assistant at

N.E.E.D.S Inc., and is pursuing Psychology at the University of Manitoba. He says the SNHU degree

simplified his admission process and strengthened his professional credibility.

“Use the GEM-SNHU scholarship opportunity responsibly; it will open doors beyond imagination for

future opportunities ahead.”

South Africa

Migrants in South Africa fear violence ahead of June 30 deadline On the outskirts of southern Johannesburg, residents gathered on Sunday in the informal settlement of Tembelihle ahead of a June 30 deadline that anti-immigrant activists have set for foreign nationals to leave South Africa.
The meeting was organised by the Tembelihle Crisis Committee, a grassroots movement that has previously opposed xenophobic violence. Its leaders said the aim was to discourage attacks on foreign nationals as tensions rose across the country. About 300 people attended, including Malawian migrants worried about what the coming days might bring. The meeting exposed sharp divisions. Some speakers urged residents not to target foreign nationals, while others blamed migrants for crime and social problems. Calls for foreigners to leave South Africa were met with applause and ululations from sections of the crowd. By the end of the evening, after residents had dispersed from an area locally known as Park Station, word spread that a Malawian resident had been stabbed nearby. 

Scalabrini - Student Story

Meet Mbayo Zebedhee Kalamba, AS General Studies Graduate  My journey through the programme has been both challenging and rewarding. There were moments when balancing studies with other responsibilities seemed difficult, but perseverance, commitment, and the support of my lecturers, advisors, friends, and family helped me reach this milestone. Completing the programme has taught me that success comes through consistency and determination. To all students who are still on their journey: stay focused, believe in yourself, and never give up. Every assignment, assessment, and challenge brings you one step closer to your goal. Keep moving forward, and in time, you will celebrate your achievement too.  If I can, you will (Mbayo, 2026)

Lebanon

Lebanon Extends Waiver for Syrians Wishing to Leave, Warns of Stricter Law Enforcement Lebanon has extended an exemption for Syrians and Palestinian refugees from Syria who are in irregular status in Lebanon and wish to leave through land border crossings, waiving fees and fines without issuing entry bans against them until 30 July 2026.

The decision, according to a statement issued today, Monday, 29 June, by Lebanon’s General Directorate of General Security, includes everyone who entered legally or illegally, regardless of how long they have been in violation, and wishes to leave through land border crossings. Lebanese General Security said it would tighten the application of laws and regulations against all non-Lebanese residents in irregular status in the country. The directorate said the extension comes “in commitment to a dignified return to Syria quickly and effectively, after the reasons for displacement have ended and political and security conditions in Syria have improved,” according to its statement. The decision came after a previous deadline granted by Lebanese authorities to Syrians and Palestinian refugees from Syria, which was set to expire on 30 June.

LASeR-Alumni Success

Mariam Srour My journey with SNHU-GEM by LASeR has been a life-changing experience. The Competency-Based Education model allowed me to learn at my own pace while developing practical skills that I could apply directly in real-life situations. 

Throughout my journey, the support from the LASeR team made a big difference. The workshops, advising sessions, and internship opportunities helped me build confidence, improve my professional skills, and stay motivated to reach my goals. One of the things I appreciated most was the flexibility of the program, which allowed me to continue my education while exploring career opportunities. Today, I work as a Business Operations & Strategy Coordinator for a company operating in the Gulf region, where I collaborate with professionals across different GCC countries.

MAPs - BA Student Story

Abdullah Al-Zuhuri, BA student  Following the outbreak of war in my beloved homeland, Syria, I was compelled to relocate to Lebanon. It was a journey into the unknown situation where one is forced to abandon their home and livelihood, only to suddenly find themselves adrift in a world of emptiness and darkness, working under harsh conditions merely to secure sustenance for their family. Yet, I began seeking better working conditions, realizing that this could only be achieved by completing my university education. Consequently, I dedicated my spare time to strengthening my proficiency in English and computer skills. The SNHU scholarship offered me a fresh chance to reclaim my life—to begin shedding the sorrows of displacement, the scars of war, and the sense of being lost, and to set new goals for charting a new future filled with hope. Furthermore, the scholarship provided me with a positive environment—one enriched by creative new friends who played a pivotal role in motivating me, as well as an exceptional staff of instructors and administrators whose guidance was instrumental to my academic progress. 

All of this encouraged me to pursue my studies at the undergraduate level (BA), where I have made significant progress. This month alone, I successfully completed more than 4 courses.

UNRWA - Success Spotlight 

Reem Aysar Wehbe “I am Reem Aysar Wehbe, an SNHU graduate from North Lebanon who earned a BA in Management in September 2025. As I began exploring career opportunities after graduation, I applied for an Administrative Office Assistant position at Innovation Lab North. As this was my first office job after graduation, I felt nervous about the interview process and was concerned about competing with candidates who had more professional experience. I knew I had developed valuable skills through my studies, but I was not always confident in how to communicate them to employers. To prepare for the interview, I reached out to my academic coach, Jana Adel Hajj Daoud, for support. Through mock interviews, feedback sessions, and guidance on using the STAR method to structure my responses, I became more confident in presenting my skills and experiences. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was to use real examples to demonstrate my abilities rather than simply listing them.The support helped me approach the interview with greater confidence, and I was successfully offered the position. I began my role on April 13, 2026, where I continue to develop new skills and gain practical experience in an office environment. My advice to current students and recent graduates is to start preparing early, practice clearly communicating their experiences, and have confidence in the skills they have built throughout their academic journey.” 

Resettled

A Journey of Determination and Academic Excellence: The Success Story of SNHU-GEM Graduate Micomyiza Rukeribuga

Success is not determined by where a person start, but by the determination and perseverance shown along the way. Micomyiza Rukeribuga’s educational journey is a powerful example of how dedication, consistency, and hard work can overcome challenges and lead to extraordinary achievements. As a resettled student, Micomyiza faced the challenge of adapting to a new environment while pursuing his studies. Despite these obstacles, he remained focused on creating a brighter future through education. From the start of his Associate of Science (AS) program, he demonstrated exceptional commitment by consistently mastering six competences every month. This remarkable pace did not stop after completing his AS degree. As he progressed into his Bachelor of Arts (BA) program, he continued to master six competences each month, maintaining the same level of discipline and determination throughout his academic journey. What makes Micomyiza’s achievement even more inspiring is that he accomplished all of this while balancing the demands of both work and school. Managing employment and higher education simultaneously requires sacrifice, resilience, and strong time management skills. Despite the challenges, he remained committed to his goals and worked consistently toward success. His perseverance paid off when he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in February 2026. This achievement reflects years of dedication and sustained effort. Micomyiza’s story is a source of inspiration for current and future students. It demonstrates that challenges do not have to limit what we can achieve. Through consistency, resilience, and a strong work ethic, success is possible. As we celebrate his accomplishment, we encourage all students to pursue their goals with confidence and determination, knowing that persistence can turn aspirations into reality.

From Student to Quality Control Manager: Adnan Naboulsi’s SNHU Success Story Adnan Naboulsi graduated from SNHU in August 2025 with a BA in Healthcare Management. His journey demonstrates how dedication, hard work, and a commitment to learning can create new opportunities for professional growth. Shortly after graduation, Adnan continued his career at a factory where he earned a promotion to Quality Control Manager. He believes that the knowledge and skills he gained through his SNHU studies played an important role in helping him achieve this advancement. The program helped him develop valuable professional skills that he now applies in his daily work and leadership responsibilities. One of the accomplishments Adnan is most proud of is completing his degree earlier than the timeline he had originally set for himself. This achievement required discipline, focus, and determination, and it helped shape him into a more serious and hardworking professional. Looking ahead, Adnan hopes to continue growing in his career and eventually become a manager within a healthcare institution, combining his education with his leadership experience. His advice to current SNHU students is simple but powerful: “Nothing is impossible to achieve as long as you work hard for it. Set high goals for yourself, and you may accomplish even more than you ever expected.”

Vietnam

Vietnam proposes six new standards for HE institutions
Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training has released a draft circular on Higher Education Institution Standards for public consultation, reports Thanh Hung for VietnamNet. According to the ministry, the draft is intended to replace Circular No. 01/2024/TT-BGDDT. The proposed standards will serve as a basis for planning and evaluating the higher education network, supporting investment in key institutions and internationally accredited universities, and providing criteria for licensing, revoking operating licenses and suspending admissions at institutions that fail to meet required conditions. The ministry said the standards are also designed to promote university autonomy and improve educational quality while enhancing transparency regarding quality assurance conditions. In addition, they will provide a framework for institutions to conduct self-assessments, monitor performance and fulfil accountability obligations to regulators and society.

Vietnam to develop higher education in Southeast region
Vietnam will develop regional-standard higher education institutions in its southeast, aiming for them to be among the top in Asia. Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau signed Decision No.966/QD-TTg on May 29, approving the scheme for the development of several large higher education institutions in the Southeast region. The scheme aims to develop the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnamese-German University, and the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City into leading regional centres for high-quality human resource training, scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. The institutions are also expected to drive higher education development and support the socioeconomic growth and international integration of Ho Chi Minh City and the southeast region. By 2035, the goal is for the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and Vietnamese-German University to be key public higher education institutions in the Southeast and the whole country, with modern technical infrastructure and facilities meeting regional standards, striving to maintain their position among the leading universities in Asia.

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