Nansen Refugee Award Global Laureate
My Mission is Rooted in Hope and Education.
I believe education is the bridge to opportunity, especially for those of us who come from marginalized communities. My mission is to create spaces where young refugees can dream, learn, and lead. Through my work, I am committed to building a future where every child — regardless of where they come from — has access to knowledge and hope.
My Story
I grew up in Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya — a place that shaped both my challenges and my purpose. As a former refugee, I understand the power of education to change lives.
In 2023, I was honored to receive the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award for my work championing refugee education. But my journey didn’t end there.
I founded the Refugee Youth Education Hub to create learning spaces for displaced children in Dadaab. With a team of volunteers, we’ve opened three libraries, distributed over 100,000 books, and reached tens of thousands of young learners — all with no formal budget.
Today, I continue my work from Nairobi as a freelance journalist and refugee rights advocate, using my voice to tell stories that inspire hope, dignity, and change.
Impact at a Glance
These numbers represent more than just statistics — they reflect real stories, dreams, and lives changed. Behind every book distributed is a child discovering the power of knowledge. Behind every library built is a community coming together for a better future.
I believe education is a human right — not a privilege. That’s why I continue to create safe learning spaces in Dadaab refugee camp, empowering the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.
Together, we can reach even more.
3
Libraries built
40,000 +
Students Reached
150,000 +
Books Distributed
100%
Community Led
Hodan's Story — The Spark That Lit a Movement
In 2017, while visiting Hagadera Secondary School in Dadaab, I met a student named Hodan Bashir. She asked me for a simple thing — a biology textbook.
At the time, 15 students were sharing a single book. Hodan told me she wanted to become a doctor.
That moment stayed with me. It reminded me how powerful — and how scarce — access to education can be for refugee students.
Today, Hodan works as a trainee nurse at Hagadera Hospital, still pursuing her dream.
Her story is where my journey to build libraries in Dadaab began.
Featured On Global Platforms
My story and work have been shared across leading global media outlets — amplifying the voices of refugees and the power of education to change lives.
My story is not just mine — it belongs to every refugee who dreams of a better future."