From a refugee camp to a school of excellence: Desange remaking her family’s history through education

Desange Umutoni, 19, does not recall much about her life in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but she does remember the fear and uncertainty that came with being a refugee. Now in senior six of high school, Desange sees education as the means to overcome the stereotype of being a refugee.

Born in DRC, Desange was just a young child when she and her family were forced to flee the violence and instability in their home country in 2013 and seek refuge at Mugombwa refugee camp in Rwanda, where they have been living ever since.

Raised by her grandmother and aunt, Desange feared she could not see her future without education.

“My friend got pregnant at a young age, dropped out of school, and struggled to raise her baby,” Desange recalls. “Something kept bouncing back into my mind that my friend would have a better future if she continued her studies. This pushed me to be responsible and stick to my studies.”

Despite the difficult conditions in the camp, Desange was determined to learn and pursue an education. However, her family members, who had never attended school themselves, were not able to provide her with the resources and support she needed. Desange was left to navigate her education journey on her own.

“I decided to study hard and make new history in my family,” she says. “People could not believe me, but I always wanted to bring about change in my family so that I can give inspiration to my offspring. My conviction is to ‘never give up.’”

Desange was among the best-performing students in the ordinary level of secondary education but it wasn't until she was accepted into EFOTEC, one of the schools of excellence in Rwanda that she truly began to thrive. She is currently in her last year of high school studying Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Ever since joining the school of excellence, Desange says she has been able to focus on her studies and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.

“It’s been my dream to become a medical doctor and help improve the well-being of my community,” Desange shares . “I want to become someone who helps solve people’s problems and save their lives.  This is what I have been dreaming to do.”

Having grown up seeing health workers in the camp coming from the host community, Desange feels like it would be good if a refugee doctor from the camp could help deliver health care in the camp. And she is keen to do so.

Desange is one of several refugee children who are pursuing their dreams, thanks to support from Usine Foundation. Through this partnership, UNHCR is able to continue to support secondary school refugee students  in Rwanda through providing scholastic materials, school uniforms, scholarships to schools of excellence and schools suitable for those with special needs and disabilities.

Currently, 12,354 refugees are enrolled in public secondary education across Rwanda.

Desange is grateful for the support that keeps her in school not only to prepare for a brighter future but also to become an inspiration to others. She believes she is now on the right course. Last year, for instance, she was chosen by her school to represent her schoolmates at the national youth summit in Parliament. This, she notes, boosted her confidence.

“Without the opportunity to go to school, my life would be vastly different, and my future would be uncertain,” she says.
Now in her final year of high school, Desange is determined to achieve her goals and make a difference in her community. At her school of excellence, all students who graduated last year were able to go to university. Desange is optimistic to do the same; to attend university and pursue a degree in medicine. One day she hopes to return to her home country to provide medical care to those in need.

Desange's journey is a testament to the power of education and the resilience of refugees. Despite many obstacles, she has remained determined and focused on her dreams. She serves as an inspiration to other young people who are seeking to overcome adversity and pursue their passions. With more support, UNHCR is able to help refugee children like Desange keep their hopes alive.