Khadija: “As a mother, I am happy”

As a child, Khadija* was forced to flee her home in Somalia to escape a forced marriage. She never had a chance to pursue her education. Now that she is a mother of three, Khadija’s greatest dream is that her children receive an education. 

“I don’t want my kids to be like me because I did not get the chance to go to school. I didn’t get the opportunity to study because my parents died when I was young. When I was 13 years old, I was married to a man. That is why I can’t even write my name. I don’t want my kids to experience the same situation that I have faced. I feel bad when I can’t write something, and I see others writing.”

As a single mom, Khadija could not afford to pay school fees or purchase school uniforms for her children. This year, with RefugePoint’s support, Sumeya, 12, and Asiya, 8, were able to enroll in school for the first time ever. 

After three months of classes, Khadija was overjoyed that Sumeya and Asiya had already learned to read and write. She also noticed that their behavior had improved. “I feel peace knowing that my daughters are somewhere engaged in studies and school activities,” Khadija shared. “As a mother, I am happy, and I love to see my kids in school because it is important to them because they would be able to live a good life even if I died. They can live and sustain a good life.”

Sumeya and Asiya were excited to share how much they enjoy their school and the games they play during breaks. “When my mother brought the [school] uniforms, I wore mine, and I was so happy to join the school to learn how to read. I want to be a doctor in the future, so I want to study. My favorite teacher is Teacher Mercy. She teaches us so well, ” Sumeya told us. 

“The school environment makes me very excited,” Asiya shared her experience. “I am happy when we read.  I am so happy because I love to study and I love education. I am happy to go to school so that I can get a job to help when I get older. Going to school is important because you will know everything about life, and you can continue in life when you have knowledge.”  Asiya told us.

For refugee children, going to school isn’t only about advancing their education but also serves as an essential protection tool. At school, refugee children can rebuild critical support systems (teachers, mentors, coaches) that they may have lost. School also allows children to integrate into their new communities by learning new languages and developing friendships.

For refugee parents, access to education for their children, as well as for themselves, is crucial. When children attend school, parents like Khadija, have more flexibility to pursue income-generating activities, which helps lead to self-reliance.

*Name changed for protection.