St. Louis University Expands Higher Education Access to Refugees in Dzaleka

St. Louis University staff with students during a spring visit to Dzaleka Refugee Camp, part of the SLU-JWL partnership supporting refugee higher education.

A partnership between St. Louis University (SLU) and Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL) is opening doors for refugees in Dzaleka by providing access to tuition-free bachelor’s degree programs.

The initiative, which also reaches students in Kakuma Camp in Kenya, enables refugees to pursue a degree in general studies with a concentration in computer information systems. Currently, about 10 students from Dzaleka are enrolled alongside their peers in Kenya, building skills in programming, digital literacy, and critical thinking.

For students like Angela Abizera, 26, who moved to Dzaleka from Rwanda as a child, the program represents more than education. “Most of us grew up thinking about life outside the camp. This program is a connection to others in a bigger space,” she said.

The SLU-JWL partnership combines professors from the university with JWL’s global infrastructure, which ensures access to technology, learning centers, and local staff. Classes are delivered online with weekly sessions, despite challenges such as limited internet access in camps.

Globally, only 1 in 20 refugees has access to higher education. The United Nations has set a target to raise that figure to 15% by 2030. Programs like SLU-JWL aim to contribute to this goal, offering opportunities for personal growth and pathways to future employment.

For many in Dzaleka, where over 50,000 refugees live, such opportunities represent a step toward stability and self-sufficiency. Graduates of the program are expected to complete their degrees in 2027, with some already planning careers in IT, project management, and nonprofit leadership.

Learn more via the full report here: St. Louis Post-Dispatch Source