Yusufa J. Gomez, Executive Director, of the Gambia Food and Nutrition Association (GAFNA) has stated that it is also worth noting that his office through United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) funding also supports refugee students to access Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and other certified vocational higher education for employment opportunities for self-reliance as one of the durable solutions for refugees.
He made the statement recently at the 30th-anniversaryth anniversary celebrations of the DAFI scholarship programme for refugee students, revealing that this year 2022 marks 30 years of the DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship programme for refugee students.
Mr. Gomez noted that this program offers qualified refugee and returnee students all over the world the possibility to undergo undergraduate University and College degree programs in their country of asylum or home country.
According to him, since its inception in 1992, the DAFI programme has supported over 18,500 young refugees around the world to undertake tertiary studies.
He disclosed that UNHCR celebrated this anniversary with over 100 DAFI scholars and alumni in a day through some recorded videos of testimonies of events, discussions, and exhibitions.
He added that some of these videos were viewed on the UNHCR website and Facebook pages as part of the activities showcasing the successes and achievements of some of the DAFI graduates
“Higher Education makes it possible for a generation of change-makers that can take the lead in identifying solutions for refugee situations hence Higher Education is a priority for UNHCR for refugees that forms an integral part of UNHCR’s protection and solutions mandate,” he said.
He added: “The DAFI 30th Anniversary seeks to celebrate DAFI students and alumni excellence. We, therefore, thank the Government of Germany and all stakeholders for facilitating access to higher education opportunities for refugee students in The Gambia.”
Mr. Gomez further said this gesture is contributing to UNHCR’s 15 X 30 vision, the roadmap that includes the aim of achieving enrolment of 15% of young refugee women and men in higher education by the year 2030.
He disclosed that since 2016, 18 refugee students (of which are 8 females) were sponsored by DAFI to study at The University of The Gambia (UTG), Gambia College, Management Development Institute (MDI), and Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI), adding that in 2021, 5 DAFI students graduated in different field of studies that are making it possible for them to achieve their livelihood needs and contribute to the socio-economic development of The Gambia.
“Currently the DAFI program is supporting 13 refugee students that are enrolled at the UTG, MDI, Gambia College, GTTI, and American International University (AIU) pursuing different fields of studies.
The DAFI Scholarship program covers tuition fees, study materials, allowances for food, transportation, accommodation, and other incidental expenses,” he further disclosed.
He added: “To amplify academic achievement and skills development, GAFNA through UNHCR funding provides DAFI scholars with additional support through close monitoring, academic preparatory and language classes, as well as mentoring and networking opportunities.”
GAFNA through UNHCR, he commended the Government partner, Gambia Commission for Refugees, and other stakeholders for their support to refugee students
