Earlier this year, I had the privilege of traveling to Kampala, Uganda, to meet with some of the incredible Scholars in the Duolingo University Access (DUA) program. The DUA program, run in partnership with the UNHCR, provides refugee Scholars with the tools they need to access higher education. Many of these students face daunting barriers to attending university—financial, logistical, and systemic. Through workshops like the one in Kampala, we aim to bridge those gaps and give Scholars the confidence and knowledge they need to succeed.
Building community and navigating the application process
Our time in Kampala was designed to achieve two main goals: strengthening the Scholars’ bonds with one another and providing a comprehensive introduction to the university application process.
While most of my interactions with Scholars happen over Zoom and WhatsApp, this workshop was a rare opportunity to connect in person. For two packed days, we came together not just to tackle the complexities of university applications, but to build connections, share experiences, and dream about what’s possible.
Though the Scholars had been chatting over WhatsApp for months, for some this was their first opportunity to meet in person. Icebreaker activities helped everyone feel more at ease, while games like Bananagrams and group dinners brought us closer together. On the final afternoon, we celebrated with a visit to Lake Victoria, where we enjoyed swimming, football, and a shared meal. These moments of connection reminded all of us of the power of community—a crucial aspect of succeeding in university and beyond.
The workshop itself focused on giving Scholars practical tools to navigate the often-confusing world of university applications. Together, we explored how to select a university that’s the right fit, dove into the intricacies of the Common App, and discussed key financial aid concepts like need-based versus merit-based aid and how to complete the CSS Profile.
Nyamal, one of our Scholars, reflected on how the session on extracurricular activities shifted her perspective. "During the workshop, I learned that when it comes to what admissions officers want to know, it's not about your title or the position you held that matters,” she said. “It's about how you contributed to your community and what you can contribute to your university community as well."
Learning by doing
To make these lessons practical, we created hands-on activities that modeled real-world experiences.
The Afrotopia exercise invited Scholars to imagine and design a future African utopia, then engage in a discussion modeled after the type of classroom experience they might encounter at a U.S. university. This activity not only encouraged collaboration but also gave Scholars a taste of discussion-based learning.
Another activity, the mock admission committee, asked Scholars to review sample applications and decide who they would admit. This exercise helped them understand what universities look for in a strong application and gave them insights into crafting their own.
Sedrick, another Scholar, noted how these activities gave him a clearer understanding of both the university process and the support he could expect. "The two days were a success as I learned more about university applications and also about Duolingo as a company,” he said. “I was amazed to hear that the Duolingo English Test contributes $4.8M in test waivers to low-income students!"
University success isn’t just about academics—it’s also about goal-setting, time management, and teamwork. Scholars participated in workshops on these critical life skills, including one activity on work-life balance that Sedrick found particularly impactful: "I learnt a lot about time management through the rocks, pebbles, sand, and water activity. I realized the importance of priority setting for a balanced life that doesn’t neglect less significant but still important aspects like relaxing and socializing."
Why this work matters
Refugees in Uganda, like many around the world, face immense challenges in accessing higher education. Yet their potential is limitless. As Baroness Coussins once said, "In today’s interconnected world, we cannot simply rely on others to bridge the gaps—we must take action." The DUA program exists to create those bridges, ensuring that high-potential students can achieve their dreams, regardless of their circumstances.
It was a joy to work with these Scholars in person and see their energy, intelligence, and determination firsthand. I’m already looking forward to returning to Uganda in the spring for our pre-departure workshop, where we’ll prepare Scholars for their next big step: starting university abroad.
If you’d like to learn more about the DUA program or how the Duolingo English Test supports refugee students, visit our website. Together, we can help make education accessible to all.