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UNHCR reports barriers to crucial education persist for refugees
Across the globe, forcibly displaced people continue to face major obstacles in accessing education, particularly at the higher levels that open doors to decent work and long-term stability. A recent UNHCR report underscores this challenge, noting that “higher education plays a vital role in bridging the gap between education and employment, and between dependence and self-reliance.” Yet globally, only 29% of surveyed higher education institutions offer online learning opportunities that could meet refugee learners where they are.
The report also highlights a persistent lack of support for language learning, career guidance, and tailored programs for forcibly displaced communities, all of which are important for navigating unfamiliar education systems, transitioning to the workforce, and integrating into new societies. While some regions offer work-study programs or equal documentation policies for refugees and nationals, the practical implementation often falls short, especially in Europe, where fewer than 40% of countries consistently treat refugees and nationals the same in practice.
The UNHCR report specifies that programs specifically designed with refugees’ needs in mind are crucial, especially those that support language development, career transitions, and flexible online access. “Respondents frequently described the importance of preparing refugee students for life after graduation, including career counselling, entrepreneurship training, internships, and building networks of alumni as well as advocacy with local employers to support job placement.”
Offering accessible learning for real-world needs
NGOs like Kiron are key in bridging these gaps in refugee integration. Kiron offers free, flexible online learning programs tailored to the needs of forcibly displaced people. Through the Kiron Campus, learners around the world can access high-quality, job-relevant courses anytime, at their own pace, from foundational language learning to advanced certifications in various skills. Kiron also provides mentoring, coaching, and community support to help learners move forward.
Three Kiron learners, Namatullah, Shafiei, and Omar, share their experiences using the Kiron Campus to build new careers in cybersecurity, tech, and agriculture. Their stories reflect not just individual determination, but also the powerful role of accessible education in creating opportunities for sustainable integration in host countries.
Turning theory into practice in cybersecurity
For Namatullah, an Afghan refugee living in Germany, building a new career meant turning knowledge into action. Despite his background in IT and system administration, he lacked the hands-on skills needed to break into the cybersecurity field. “Before joining Kiron, I had theoretical knowledge in areas like cybersecurity and business informatics,” he explains. “However, I lacked hands-on experience.”
He was interested in upskilling, but traditional training programs were often costly and time-consuming. “Kiron solved this issue by offering free, high-quality content,” Namatullah says. “The opportunity to learn from the Kiron Campus and its high-quality courses was very appealing to me, especially because of the flexibility it offered.”
After joining in 2024, Namatullah immersed himself in courses covering ethical hacking, penetration testing, and digital forensics.
Although he’s still seeking a full-time cybersecurity role, Namatullah feels prepared and confident. “Kiron has been instrumental in helping me move toward a career in cybersecurity,” he says. “The German job market can be quite challenging for refugees, but I’m ready to apply for roles like SOC analyst, penetration tester, or security consultant.”
Shafiei’s path into the tech sector
Originally from Ethiopia, Shafiei arrived in Türkiye with a passion for tech and a strong sense of purpose. Before joining Kiron in March 2024, he had already begun developing skills in data analysis and IT support, but his learning accelerated once he joined the platform. “Kiron has made it incredibly easy for me to acquire a wide range of skills,” he says. “Since I began learning through Kiron, I've dedicated most of my time to the programs. My journey has been both productive and fulfilling.”
A key milestone in Shafiei’s journey was participating in the Kiron Mentoring Program, one of Kiron’s programs in partnership with tech company TE Connectivity. “It was a transformative experience,” Shafiei shares. “I received hands-on advice from industry professionals, strengthened my problem-solving skills, and learned how to approach leadership and teamwork more effectively.”
Now, Shafiei is actively applying for jobs and feels equipped to succeed. “What encourages me to keep going is the vision of a bright future,” he says. “Kiron has given me the tools I need to work toward my goals, and I'm excited about what's ahead.”
Agriculture and analytics for sustainable impact
Omar’s journey began in agriculture. “In my homeland, I dedicated myself to improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. I worked as a field trainer, teaching students and small farmers how to improve productivity using new technologies,” he shares. “But leaving behind my family, friends, and homeland in search of new opportunities was a monumental decision. I believed it was necessary to gain new skills that would benefit both me and my country.”
Adjusting to life in a new country was difficult. “Everything was different—the culture, environment, language, educational system, and even the process of making new friends,” he recalls. “Before I joined Kiron, I struggled to access online courses. I knew I needed to keep learning, but it felt like I was running into walls.”
Joining Kiron in 2020 was a turning point. “Once I became part of the Kiron community, those barriers disappeared,” says Omar. Through the Kiron Campus, Omar pursued professional certificates like the Google Advanced Data Analytics Certificate and courses in data science, on top of working toward a Ph.D. in agriculture. “Kiron is a true home of education for refugees—anytime, anywhere,” says Omar. “This journey has been filled with challenges, but with the support of a community like Kiron, I've been able to transform those challenges into opportunities for growth. My journey is far from over, but I am confident that with resilience and the right support, the future is bright.”
Kiron’s impact
For learners like Namatullah, Shafiei, and Omar, Kiron is more than just an educational platform. It’s a support system that offers flexibility, community support, and the opportunity to turn goals into reality. Their journeys reflect what the UNHCR’s latest report makes clear: access alone isn’t enough. Forcibly displaced people need education that is relevant, flexible, and tailored to their lived realities.
Through programs that combine language learning, career preparation, and online accessibility, Kiron is actively responding to the UNHCR’s report and changing lives. “It may be challenging, but with Kiron’s resources and a strong mindset, you can achieve your goals,” says Namatullah. Shafiei adds, “Embrace every course and mentorship available, as they can open doors you never imagined.”
Learn more about Kiron’s programs.
