Cambridge Backs New Qualification for Ugandan Refugee Youth

Young refugees in Uganda facing barriers to higher education will soon have a new pathway thanks to a collaboration between the Alsama Project and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. The G12++ qualification, designed for learners whose education has been disrupted by conflict, aims to provide a globally recognized route to university and skilled work.

Uganda hosts over 1.9 million refugees, many of whom flee conflict from neighboring countries. While the nation offers progressive policies for displaced people, a significant hurdle exists in transitioning from secondary education to higher learning opportunities due to a lack of recognized certification.

Globally, only 9% of refugees access higher education, compared to a 42% average for non-refugees. Experts highlight that this is not due to a lack of ability but a lack of formal proof of education.

The G12++ qualification, initially developed in Lebanon’s Shatila refugee camp, is ‘curriculum agnostic,’ meaning it aligns with international standards while adapting to learners’ contexts. Assessments focus on critical thinking and problem-solving rather than rote memorization.

Cambridge has worked to refine the G12++‘s assessment methodology, leading to successful examinations in Shatila. The qualification is now being prioritized for rollout in Uganda, with the aim of securing formal recognition from national ministries.

Professor Bhaskar Vira of Cambridge University stated that the initiative aligns with the institution’s commitment as a ‘University of Sanctuary,’ demonstrating that high-quality assessments for marginalized learners are feasible and scalable. For students like Wissal Al-Jaber, who fled Syria, the G12++ represents a crucial opportunity for a brighter future.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)