Advancing Refugee Education: A Visionary Partnership between TECNO and UNHCR

In an era where education is pivotal for empowerment, a transformative partnership between TECNO and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) aims to reshape the educational landscape for refugee children across East Africa. One year into their expanded global collaboration, both organizations are turning their shared commitments into concrete outcomes, profoundly impacting the lives of numerous young individuals.

A Long-term Commitment

Launched in 2025, the three-year partnership embraces a bold objective: to support over 54,000 refugee children by enhancing access to quality primary education. This initiative also aims to support 15 talented refugee scholars through the DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship program. By focusing on educational infrastructure, the partnership has aimed to foster improved learning conditions in refugee-hosting regions, with a keen eye on Ethiopia and Tanzania.

Improving Learning Environments

Throughout 2025, the partnership established practical measures to improve conditions for students. At Furaha Primary School in Tanzania, for instance, prior to intervention, around 200 refugee children faced learning sessions under trees, vulnerable to the elements. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of TECNO and UNHCR, these aspiring learners now benefit from upgraded classrooms, transforming learning from an uncomfortable experience into a nurturing environment.

Moreover, the construction of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities has become critical, creating safer environments. Access to basic hygiene and sanitation services is essential for keeping children in school and promoting healthier learning experiences. In total, significant numbers of students have received essential materials like textbooks and school kits, enabling them to continue their educational journeys effectively.

Addressing Critical Challenges

However, the partnership's objective transcends mere infrastructural enhancements. It aims to inject vitality into education within under-resourced settings. Investments have also extended into teacher training initiatives, enhancing the quality of instruction and fostering student retention. For instance, teacher training workshops aim to uplift teaching standards, allowing educators to better engage and inspire their students.

Refugee education systems face severe challenges stemming from displacement, limited resources, and infrastructure constraints. Students like Irahoze recount their struggles, reflecting on experiences of disrupted lessons during rainy weather. “When it rains, everything gets wet, and sometimes we have to stop classes,” Irahoze explains. "Continuing lessons without interruptions allows me to concentrate better on my studies."

High-Impact Education Initiatives

As part of their collaborative efforts, TECNO and UNHCR provide robust pathways for education, from foundational learning to opportunities for higher education. Their focus on primary education not only improves learning environments but also nurtures the next generation of thinkers and innovators. Additionally, the DAFI scholarship program opens doors for eligible refugee youth, facilitating their access to tertiary education and helping them enter the workforce.

For many students, education represents not only knowledge acquisition but also the prospect of a better future. Refugee students like Bisharo Mohamed from Kenya, who is preparing to attend secondary school outside the Dadaab refugee camp, reflect poignant sentiments: “I am excited and scared at the same time. I want to do well and make my family proud.” These aspirational narratives illustrate the resilience of young refugees determined to strive for excellence despite challenging circumstances.

Looking Ahead

The TECNO-UNHCR partnership underscores a commitment to adapting education solutions to emerging needs faced by refugee youth. As they continue to strengthen teaching capacity, improve school infrastructure, and reinforce educational ties to self-reliance, every step taken helps forge pathways toward a brighter future.

With the ongoing support for refugee education, the partnership aligns with UNHCR's global strategy to enhance refugee enrollment in higher education, targeting 15% by 2030. Since its inception, more than 27,200 students have benefited from the DAFI program, showcasing promising graduation rates and successful employment outcomes based on quality education experiences.

In conclusion, the joint efforts between TECNO and UNHCR not only aim to enhance the educational framework for refugees but also inspire hope and self-sufficiency in the hearts of these young individuals. Melding technology with humanitarian values sets a powerful precedent for what is achievable when organizations collaborate for a common cause: to ensure that education remains a right, not a privilege.