For those of us residing in Kakuma Refugee Camp, welcoming visitors from across the globe to our small learning center, the Resilience Action Aid (RAI), was an honor beyond words. The summit, co-hosted by OSUN Hubs for Connected Learning Initiative, OSUN Civic Engagement, and the Bard High School Early Colleges, was a testament to the power of blended formats. We gathered both physically and virtually, making it accessible to individuals who boarded flights from far-off places such as Brazil, Colombia, and Afghanistan. For some, this was not just their first time traveling to Africa but also their inaugural visit to a refugee camp. The summit embodied a powerful message that transcended borders. The camp itself, Kakuma Refugee Camp, situated in the northwestern region of Kenya, is a haven for those who have been displaced from their homes due to conflicts, persecution, and other hardships. Kakuma, which means “nowhere” in Swahili, has become a temporary home for thousands, and for some, a place of education and opportunity. The summit served as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in the most challenging circumstances, education and collaboration can thrive. 

Unveiling the Purpose

The summit had a clear and profound purpose: to raise awareness and open access to higher education and research opportunities for those affected by displacement. This purpose aligns with OSUN’s commitment to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for individuals facing the challenges of mobility and immobility. As a moderator, I had the honor of introducing Sadiki, a global advocate for greater access to higher education and improved academic experiences for refugee students. His presence set the tone for the event, emphasizing the importance of education and opportunity for refugees

Distinguished speakers, including a UNHCR representative, shed light on the challenges faced by refugees in accessing higher education. It became evident that global advocacy is vital in achieving this purpose. The UNHCR representative promised ongoing discussions to improve access to higher education for refugees. The disparities in wages and opportunities between refugees and host countries, regardless of academic qualifications, were brought to the forefront. For instance, Muhammad Qadeer Ashraf, a junior law student at BRAC University in Bangladesh, highlighted the wage gap faced by refugee Palestinians in Palestine. This summit, with its clear purpose, emphasized the urgency of creating a world where access to education is a universal right, regardless of one’s circumstances.

Global Insights and Inspiration

One of the most impactful aspects of the summit was the opportunity to network and gain insights from individuals like Sadiki, who, despite facing adversity, managed to obtain both a degree and a master’s degree and dedicate himself to advocating for refugee education. Interacting with students who had traveled from distant corners of the world, including Brazil, revealed a collective enthusiasm to make the world a better place.The summit was a testament to the power of global connection. As attendees from different parts of the world engaged in discussions, we learned that the challenges faced by displaced individuals are not limited to one region. From Colombia to Afghanistan, refugees and displaced people share common struggles, including limited access to education and economic disparities. These shared experiences brought a sense of unity, reinforcing the importance of collective action and advocacy. The summit was a reminder that while our geographical origins may differ, our aspirations for a better future are universal. 

The Power of Global Advocacy 

The summit underscored the power of global advocacy in promoting access to education and mobility for refugees. The discussions highlighted the urgent need to bridge the gap between refugees and host countries in terms of education and opportunities. A UNHCR representative emphasized the ongoing efforts to increase access to higher education for refugees, but it was clear that advocacy from various stakeholders, including refugees themselves, remains crucial. Advocacy, both on a local and global scale, was a central theme. As a moderator, I had the honor of introducing Sadiki, a tireless advocate for refugee girls. His story was a testament to the power of individual advocacy, demonstrating that one person’s dedication can lead to transformative change. Sadiki’s journey from a refugee to an advocate with a master’s degree serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when individuals commit themselves to the cause of education. His message was clear: global advocacy for refugees is vital, and it can lead to meaningful change. Muhammad Qadeer Ashraf’s insights into the challenges faced by Palestinian refugees in Palestine resonated with the struggles of many in Kakuma. Despite academic qualifications, refugees often face wage disparities and limited opportunities in comparison to host countries. This common experience emphasizes the need for a united front in advocating for improved conditions and opportunities for refugees worldwide.

Inspiration from Global Advocates

The summit provided a platform to interact with inspiring individuals like Sadiki, who serves as a beacon of hope for refugee education. His journey from a refugee to an advocate with a master’s degree demonstrates the potential for refugees to access education and make a positive impact on the world. His story motivated attendees from around the world, including students who traveled from Brazil. Their shared enthusiasm and dedication to improving global conditions were both uplifting and contagious. The power of personal stories cannot be underestimated. Sadiki’s journey was a source of inspiration for many at the summit. He highlighted that, regardless of one’s background, education can be a transformative force. His advocacy for refugee girls was a reminder that the impact of education extends far beyond an individual—it has the potential to uplift entire communities and societies. The summit encouraged attendees to reflect on their own roles in promoting access to education and the importance of advocating for those who face barriers to learning. 

Empowering through Design Thinking 

A significant highlight of the summit was the design thinking session. This session allowed OSUN Hubs students to collaborate and brainstorm solutions to pressing community issues. It was a remarkable opportunity to develop innovative approaches to address challenges and create positive change.The design thinking session was a unique and practical aspect of the summit. It provided attendees with the tools and mindset needed to tackle real-world challenges. Through group discussions and brainstorming, we identified a range of pressing issues that affect our communities and explored innovative solutions to address them. This exercise empowered us to think critically, creatively, and empathetically, a skillset that is invaluable in addressing the complex problems faced by displaced communities. After doing our projects , we had an opportunity of pitching them to the audience and of which we received am amazing feedbacks from the Audience. The summit underscored that innovation and creative problem-solving are essential in overcoming the obstacles associated with mobility and immobility. Design thinking encourages a proactive and solution-oriented mindset. As OSUN Hubs students, we left the session equipped with the knowledge and tools to identify and address challenges within our communities. It was an eye-opening experience that enabled us to think critically and take concrete steps toward positive change. 

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the OSUN Mobility/Immobility Summit stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of global collaboration. This extraordinary event brought together students and thought leaders from diverse corners of the world, transcending geographical boundaries and uniting us in a shared commitment to addressing the challenges of mobility and immobility. The summit’s clear purpose, to raise awareness and open access to higher education and research opportunities for those affected by displacement, aligns perfectly with OSUN’s commitment to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities. It underscored the urgency of creating a world where education is a universal right, regardless of one’s circumstances. The power of global advocacy emerged as a central theme, with speakers and advocates emphasizing the vital role it plays in promoting access to education and mobility for refugees. Personal stories, like that of Sadiki, who transformed from a refugee to an advocate with a master’s degree, served as a powerful reminder of the potential for individuals to make a positive impact. His journey was a source of inspiration for many, highlighting the transformative force of education. The design thinking session equipped OSUN Hubs students with the skills and mindset needed to tackle real-world challenges, fostering a proactive and solution-oriented

approach to addressing the complex problems faced by displaced communities. The summit was a resounding reminder that change is possible, and through global collaboration, advocacy, and innovative problem-solving, we can create a brighter, more

inclusive, and equitable future. It left an indelible mark on all who attended, motivating

us to be change-makers and fostering a deep sense of hope. The OSUN Mobility/Immobility Summit serves as a reminder that, no matter