When Paula fled the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a young girl, she never imagined that education would be her way out of hardship. Displacement robbed her of her home, security, and school. Arriving at Kyaka II refugee settlement in Uganda, her life seemed to stall until she discovered the power of learning and the support of DaVision, an initiative dedicated to transforming lives and helping refugee girls return to school.
The first encounter with suffering came when conflict in my homeland tore my family apart. I lost loved ones, my home, and sense of security. But just when I thought the worst was behind me, another battle awaited me in my new community. My stepmother treated me and my brother with cruelty-beating , denying us food, and even stopping us from going to school. But the worst moment came when I was just 12 years old in 2018 and she arranged for me to be married.
“It was the second worst experience of my life”
Paula is not just a student, she is the Team Lead of DaVision and a poet empowering other refugee girls to reclaim their education and futures. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and the undeniable power of education.
Paula’s family fled their home in the DRC due to conflict, arriving in Uganda with nothing but a will to survive. Like many refugee girls, her education was put on hold as her family struggled to find food, shelter, and stability.
“At first, I thought education was over for me. I watched other children go to school while I stayed home, helping with chores and taking care of my step mother’s children . I felt like my future had been stolen,” Paula recalls.
But then, she learned about DaVision, an organization supporting refugee girls who had been forced out of school. Through their program, she received school fees, materials, and mentorship. More importantly, she found a community that believed in her potential.
Returning to school was challenging she had missed years of learning and had to work harder to catch up. However, education gave her purpose and hope. With DaVision’s support, Paula not only recovered her studies but also discovered her passion for leadership and advocacy.
Refugee girls attend school at bright future primary school Uganda through Davision Girl’s Go back to school program.//.
“Education gave me my voice back. It taught me that I am more than a refugee I am a leader, a change-maker, a young woman with dreams.”
With this mindset, Paula refused to stop at just her own success. She wanted to give back, to help other girls who, like her, thought education was out of reach. She began volunteering with DaVision Kyaka II Settlement Uganda mentoring younger girls and helping them navigate the same struggles she once faced.
Her dedication did not go unnoticed. With time, she took on more responsibilities, leading training sessions, organizing outreach programs, and advocating for more girls to return to school. Today, she is the Team Lead of DaVision, ensuring that refugee girls in Kyaka II are not forgotten.
Connecting the Dots From Student to Leader
Paula’s journey has come full circle. The same initiative that once saved her education is now led by her passion and dedication. She works daily to ensure no girl is left behind, speaking with parents, community leaders, and local organizations to break the barriers keeping refugee girls out of school.
“I know what it’s like to feel invisible, to believe that education is a luxury you can’t afford. But I also know the power of learning, how it can change lives. If I can help even one girl return to school, then I know I am fulfilling my purpose.”
Paula’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education. It is not just about reading and writing it is about restoring dignity, creating opportunities, and breaking cycles of poverty and dependence.
As she continues leading DaVision, she carries with her the lessons of her own journey: that education is a weapon of change, and every girl, no matter where she comes from, deserves the chance to learn, grow, and lead.
Paula is no longer just a survivor of displacement and GBV- she is a beacon of hope for refugee girls who dream of a brighter future. Through her, the impact of education lives on, proving that even in the darkest of circumstances, learning can light the way.
What could be done to Support Refugee Girls in Achieving Their Full Potential, Leadership, and Education Rights
Refugee girls face multiple challenges, including limited access to education, early marriage, gender-based violence, and exclusion from leadership roles. To ensure they reach their full potential and exercise their rights to lead and learn, the following recommendations should be prioritized: Ensure Equal Access to Quality Education Establish gender-sensitive schools with proper sanitation, menstrual hygiene facilities, and protection against harassment. Integrate Refugee Education into National Systems Ensure refugee girls have access to accredited education and can transition to higher education.
Leadership and Empowerment Opportunities Provide mentorship, advocacy training, and public speaking opportunities for refugee girls. Create Refugee Girl-Led Networks to Support peer-to-peer mentorship, youth /Girl councils, and platforms for girls to voice their concerns. Engage Role Models & Mentors to Connect refugee girls with female leaders in politics, business, and community leadership to inspire and guide them.
Strengthen Legal Protections and Rights Push for national policies that recognize refugee girls’ rights to education and leadership. Combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Implement stronger legal frameworks and community awareness programs to prevent child marriage, trafficking, and harassment. Ensure Registration & Documentation Provide legal identity for refugee girls to access education on the first day of asylum,employment, and leadership opportunities is very crucial.
Address Socio-Cultural Barriers and Engage Communities , Collaborate with local women /girl led organisations Conduct awareness campaigns to shift cultural norms and promote girls’ education and leadership. Involve Men and Boys as Allies Encourage male family members to support refugee girls’ rights and challenge discriminatory practices. Provide Alternative Learning Opportunities Fund vocational training, digital learning platforms, and flexible education programs for girls who face barriers to formal schooling.
Strengthen Partnerships and Funding , Government and NGO Work with humanitarian organizations, donors, and governments to prioritize refugee girls’ education and leadership. Encourage Private Sector Investment Partner with refugee women organizations at the local level to provide internships, leadership training, and entrepreneurship programs for refugee girls. Increase Donor Commitment and Advocate for more funding to support long-term education and leadership programs for refugee girls , youth and women.
“Empowering refugee girls through education and leadership is essential for gender equality, economic empowerment , and peacebuilding. By removing barriers, strengthening legal protections, and fostering inclusive policies, refugee girls to realize their full potential, contribute to their communities, and lead change.”
