The African Higher Education in Emergencies Network – AHEEN is so much more than a scholarship program. As one of our Kenya Department of Refugee Services scholars puts it:
“This is a powerful and timely model. What stands out is how AHEEN is expanding access while maintaining quality, accreditation and alignment with local labour market needs. Delivering recognised university programmes directly within displacement settings, and anchoring them in national systems such as the University of Nairobi, reflects the kind of systemic approach that is needed. It is also encouraging to see a clear shift towards a locally grounded model that strengthens refugee-led organisations and supports host communities. This is how we move from short-term humanitarian responses to more sustainable, development-oriented solutions. Truly commendable work.”
Photo: © UNHCR
University World News’ “Innovative African network takes accredited HE to refugees,” highlights how the AHEEN model aligns perfectly with the Humanitarian Reset: Local, sustainable solutions embedded in national systems that build on local knowledge and prioritise refugee mainstreaming in tertiary education and the labour market of their hosting countries. Read about the Global Compact on Refugees, the CRRF, and national Refugee Laws leveraged by African actors.