KAKUMA, Kenya – In a powerful celebration of resilience and hope, in the heart of Kakuma refugee camp in the North-Eastern part of Kenya, a place often defined by its constraints, a different story unfolded—one of triumph, resilience, and the unyielding power of education.

Under the vast Kenyan sky, 126 graduates gathered not just to receive diplomas, but to celebrate the culmination of journeys marked by extraordinary determination - a milestone not just in their academic journeys, but in their lives as leaders forged through displacement.

Among the graduands was Bior Deng, the Valedictorian of the Peace Leader Certificate Programme, whose words captured the spirit of the day: "We did not just complete a journey—we shaped ourselves into leaders for a world that needs us more than ever."

The ceremony was a vibrant tapestry of joy and pride, woven together by the achievements of graduates from three programs: Honouring the achievements of 49 graduates from the Peace Leader Certificate Programme, awarded by Hekima University College (HUC) in collaboration with Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL). They were joined by 35 graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Development and 42 graduates of the Certificate in Liberal Studies from Xavier Institute of Management University (XIM).

For many of these graduates, the path to this moment had been paved with challenges—studying in the harsh realities of a refugee camp, balancing survival with scholarship, and turning adversity into opportunity.

The gathering was a vibrant testament to the unyielding pursuit of knowledge. Fr. Marcel Uwineza SJ, Principal of Hekima University College, set the tone with a message that resonated deeply with the graduates. "Education is the doorway to transformation," he proclaimed, his voice carrying the weight of his own journey as a survivor of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and a former refugee. "When the world forgets you, education remembers you." His words were a testament to the enduring power of learning, a force that plants purpose where despair might otherwise take root. "Seeds of global peace can grow even in refugee camps," he reminded them, affirming that their education was not just a personal achievement but a catalyst for broader change.

The call to leadership was echoed by Fr. Elisee Rutagambwa SJ, Dean of the Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations at HUC. He urged the graduates to embrace a leadership rooted not in titles, but in service. "Let your leadership be rooted in action—not just in positions, but in people. Not just in speeches, but in service," he said. His message was a powerful reminder that while they may not have chosen their beginnings, they now held the power to shape the future for themselves and generations to come.

Fr. Deogratias Rwezaura, SJ, representing the president of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM), reinforced this call, urging graduates to be catalysts for “personal and communal transformation.”

The graduation was brought to life by the testimonies of the graduates themselves, whose stories illustrated education’s profound impact.

The stories of the graduates breathed life into these messages. Ladu, a Peace Leader graduate, had already begun translating his education into action, using local radio to advocate for peace with the conviction that "Peace can start with me—and it can go viral." Monica, a graduate of the Certificate in Liberal Studies, shared how her studies had rekindled her confidence and expanded her dreams. "I now believe that with education, I can inspire others to pursue their dreams," she said, her voice a testament to the transformative power of learning.

The commitment of the partnering institutions was a cornerstone of the celebration. Fr. Peter Balleis, SJ, President of Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL), highlighted the mission of reaching learners in the most challenging contexts and made a special appeal for more women to pursue higher education as drivers of sustainable development.

Fr. Antony Raj, SJ, Registrar of Xavier Institute of Management University (XIM) University, celebrated the graduates for embodying the power of education to ignite change.

The ceremony, enriched by vibrant cultural performances from the Nuba Kambala and Pojulou dancers from the local community, was more than a formal event—it was a community-wide affirmation. It served as a powerful reminder that education in the margins is not only possible but is already creating a ripple effect of hope, leadership, and peace.

As these new leaders step forward, they carry with them a truth that resonates far beyond Kakuma: that education restores dignity, empowers action, and lights the path to a more peaceful future.

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