Abdulrahman Aboubacar, 20 year old Central African Refugee studying to prepare for the start of his University Degree in Tahoua University, Niger, thanks to the DAFI scholarship programme (Louise Donovan UNHCR)

Abdulrahman was beaming from ear to ear as he explained that he was preparing to move to Tahoua region in Niger to begin his University studies in Agronomy and Food Industry. Abdulrahman is one of four refugees in Niger who were selected for a prestigious DAFI scholarship. The DAFI scholarship programme began in 1992, and enables over 2,200 students annually to undertake post-secondary studies in countries of asylum. For more information, Click here (http://www.unhcr.org/dafi-scholarships.html).

In 2017, Abdulrahman was one of four refugee students in Niger selected for the scholarship programme, the other students selected are from Mali (2) and from Nigeria (1). Abdulrahman arrived to Niamey, Niger from the Central African Republic with his six siblings and his parents two years ago. He says that he and his family fled inter-religious war, and appreciates the freedom he has in Niger, “here, there is no problem between the Muslims and the Christians, I feel safe and I can move freely, it was not like that in my city”. Sadly, his father passed away several months ago in Niger. He is the second oldest in the family, and feels responsible for his family, “with an education, I will be somebody in the world, I can have a steady income and help my mother and my family”.

Prior to 2017, several refugees in Niger were selected for DAFI scholarships for studies which they are currently completing in universities in Senegal, however this year it was decided to send the students to universities in their host countries. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that there are adequate educational institutions available in the asylum countries, the students will be able to stay closer to their families, and a closer relationship between UNHCR and the students is possible, both during and after their studies. In Niger, the University of Tahoua and UNHCR recently signed an agreement for the provision of education to refugees in Niger which is a very positive step, as Higher Education is a clear priority in UNHCR’s overarching Education Strategy, and for the state of Niger.

In addition to higher education, UNHCR are involved in several other innovative education projects in Niger, including the Distance Education Project for Nigerian Secondary Level students in the Diffa region , and Ecole de Second Chance , for urban refugees in Niamey. Support for primary education for all Malian refugees in the camps and refugee hosting areas, and primary education for Nigerian refugees and IDPS in the camps in the Diffa region is also being provided since 2012.

“Maybe if my country becomes calm again I will return with my mother and my brothers and sisters, but for now we are content in Niger, and I will be happy when I finish my studies and can participate in commerce to help my family”.