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Up With Africa · Research
A four-phase comparative study on refugee access to education and technology — across one urban and three rural settlements in Uganda. Run by refugees, for refugees and host communities.
Enhancing refugee access to education and technology — across Kampala, Nakivale, Kyaka II, and Kyangwali.
The global refugee crisis has prompted an urgent need to address the educational and technological disparities faced by refugees. This study investigates and compares access — across both urban and rural settings.
The study seeks to identify barriers, gaps, and potential solutions to improve refugee access to education and technology — ultimately contributing to socioeconomic empowerment and integration. We compare four sites with distinct contexts to surface what is universal and what is local.
What is universal among refugees? What is unique to each settlement? The answers should shape policy.
The work is structured in four phases — beginning with on-the-ground data collection across all four sites, followed by analysis, partnership-led intervention, and finally an evaluation that informs how the model could expand to new communities.
The study is structured around seven specific questions. Each one shapes how we collect data, what we look for, and how we interpret what we find.
What are the primary barriers to access to education and technology for both refugees and host communities, and how do these barriers differ between the two groups?
What is the impact of technology integration in education for refugees and host communities — in terms of improving learning outcomes, skills development, and economic opportunities?
How does the digital divide — access to internet and digital devices — affect the ability of refugees and host communities to access online educational resources?
What policies exist in Uganda to support education and technology access for refugees, and what gaps are present in their implementation?
To what extent are local communities and refugees involved in the planning and implementation of education and technology initiatives?
What are the long-term educational and economic integration prospects for refugees, and how can technology-enhanced education contribute to successful integration?
How do gender dynamics and the needs of vulnerable groups — disabled refugees and female-headed households — influence access to education and technology?
From on-the-ground data collection to impact analysis. Each phase builds on the last — and each one is designed in collaboration with the communities involved.
A comparative study between refugees and host communities of Kampala, Nakivale, Kyaka II, and Kyangwali — across urban and rural settlements.
Extracting useful information and insights from the collected data to draw conclusions and support decision-making across the four settlements.
Working with potential partners to actively enhance education and technology access in refugee and host communities.
Evaluation and impact analysis, plus a way forward for the expansion of the project to new communities.
Four concrete deliverables that we will share with partners, policymakers, and the wider community once the study completes its first cycle.
A comprehensive understanding of disparities in access to education and technology among refugees in different settlement contexts.
Identification of common and unique barriers that refugees and host communities face in Kampala and rural settlements.
Insights into the impact of local and international initiatives on refugee education and technology access.
A set of practical recommendations to improve refugee access to education and technology — considering each settlement type.
We collaborate with NGOs, CBOs, associations, institutions, youth groups, tech companies, schools, and universities to leverage key resources for collective impact. If our research aligns with yours, let's talk.