Kinyanga Consolate Dacosta is a medical laboratory sciences student in the College of Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences. She began her studies at Africa University in the 2024-2025 academic year.

“Getting an education is the only way for me to realize my goals and dreams, but as a refugee in the Tongogara Refugee Camp I was unable to pay for my university education. Thank you for your support to enroll in the degree program in medical laboratory sciences at Africa University because I want to contribute to making sure that medications and chemicals are used as intended. I also want to be able to identify illnesses and the medications that might be used to treat them. I believe I will be able to change and improve the world. I will dedicate myself to a lifelong learning process and have an open heart after completing my studies at Africa University.”

Grace Muke is a social work/refugee advocacy student in the College of Social Sciences, Humanities, Theology, and Education. She began her studies at Africa University in the 2024-2025 academic year.

“I am from the Democratic Republic of Congo but living currently as a refugee in Zimbabwe. Our journey as refugees is demanding, but with unwavering determination my family keeps moving forward in search of safety and a better future. I want to pursue this program at Africa University because of its unique focus on refugee communities and forced migration. The expertise gained from the program will be especially valuable to me as a social worker.

“My experiences and exposure as a volunteer with refugee organizations has deepened my understanding of the complex challenges facing both refugees and their host communities, and I am eager to gain the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful difference. I believe that involvement as a student/learner in Africa University’s ongoing research and community outreach work in refugee mental health, community integration and cultural sensitivity will equip me to help develop culturally responsive interventions and better advocate for the rights of refugees.”

Loise Phillis is a public administration & management major in the College of Business, Peace, Leadership and Governance. She began her studies at Africa University in the 2024-2025 academic year.

“I am a refugee in the Tongogara Refugee Camp. I am thrilled to have been admitted to the College of Business, Peace, Leadership and Governance at Africa University. I selected Africa University because of its reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to fostering leadership skills. I believe that studying at Africa University will equip me with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute positively to my community and the broader society.”

Russi Ishimwe is a social work student in the College of Social Services, Humanities, Theology and Education. She began her studies at Africa University in the 2024-2025 academic year.

“I am of Burundian-Rwandan heritage. My father is Burundian and my mother, Rwandan. During the 1972 Burundi genocide, my father's parents fled to Rwanda as refugees. My father grew up in Rwanda and met my mother while living there. However, due to the Rwandan genocide, my parents fled Rwanda in 1994. I was born in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi in 2003. As our journey to find refuge continued, my family moved to the Tongogara Refugee Camp in Zimbabwe.