“We never thought we’d get an opportunity like this.”

Lamara Juliet graduated with a first-class Diploma in Primary Education. It’s thanks to support from Windle International Uganda and UNHCR that she’s been able to study at university and secure her future. But her experience as a refugee from South Sudan has meant she’s had to overcome significant challenges to get here.

“Being a refugee can be difficult, because sometimes you feel that you are an outsider in your new country. Sometimes my lectures were delivered in Luganda, a language I don’t know yet, which made understanding things harder. But where there are challenges, you have to pave your way forward.

“Graduating feels amazing; we are so grateful. Many of us didn’t think we would get this opportunity. I cried when they told me at school that I had a scholarship to go to university, and from the very first day I said I can’t let this opportunity go.

“My future plan is to inspire women and to work with a big community. I want to work towards improving my country in South Sudan for future generations.”