A New Era of Education for Congolese Girls in Uganda
In the heart of Katwe, a vibrant suburb of Kampala, Uganda, a group of teenage girls sit in a classroom filled with sunlight. Their teacher moves across the room, explaining an arithmetic formula, while the students listen intently. Among them is 14-year-old Justine Bigirimana, a science student with big dreams of becoming a doctor. Her journey represents a growing movement among African girls who are finding opportunities through education, made possible by the freedom to move and learn across borders.
Bigirimana is one of many Congolese girls who have found a safe haven at Complexe Scolaire Katwe, a learning center established exclusively for Congolese girls by Congolese educators. Founded in 2016, the school's mission is to ensure that girls who cross borders in search of safety and opportunity do not lose access to education. It’s more than just a school—it’s a place of protection, where girls can delay early marriages and avoid child labor.
Bigirimana arrived in Uganda at the age of seven after M-23 rebels invaded her village. The journey was filled with uncertainty, including language barriers. However, she found a welcoming environment at the school, which teaches in French, Lingala, and Swahili, along with English and elements of Uganda’s curriculum. This approach helps students transition smoothly between cultures and prepares them for future academic and professional paths.
“Walking into the classroom for the first time, I was nervous. Would I catch up? Would I fit in? But then, the teacher started speaking in French, and suddenly, I felt something I hadn’t felt in so long—relief. For the first time since coming to Uganda, I truly felt at home,” said Bigirimana.
Her story is part of a broader narrative on the continent, where mobility is creating new opportunities for girls. Uganda hosts the largest number of refugees in Africa, according to UNHCR data from 2024. With over 1.6 million refugees and 48,000 asylum seekers, many come from neighboring countries like South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia.
Despite the challenges, many refugee girls face significant barriers to education. According to UNICEF, nearly half of all school-aged migrant girls in Uganda are out of school. Only 49% complete primary education, and just 11% move on to secondary school. However, Uganda has policies that allow migrants to work, move freely, and access basic services like education and healthcare. These rights have enabled girls like Bigirimana to adapt and thrive.
Complexe Scolaire Katwe is a model of innovation and collaboration. It offers both primary and secondary education using the Congolese curriculum while integrating Uganda’s systems. This approach ensures students are prepared to succeed anywhere they choose to go next—whether back in the DRC, in Uganda, or elsewhere on the continent.
“This school is more than a classroom. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when African countries open their doors to each other. We believe that science is science and math is math—no matter where you come from. So why should borders stop our girls from learning?” said Frank Fariji, the school’s headteacher and co-founder.
For many girls, the school offers a fresh start. Eunice Zawadi, a 17-year-old, struggled to adjust in mainstream Ugandan schools due to language differences. At Complexe Scolaire Katwe, she found a supportive environment where she could learn in a language she understood.
The school also provides emotional and psychological support. Many students have experienced trauma, from losing family members to the horrors of war. A counseling program allows them to share their experiences and heal. “A problem shared is half solved. Here, we are not just teaching these girls. We are healing them,” said Racheal Atim Okello, a teacher at the school.
Beyond academics, the school equips girls with practical skills such as soap making, baking, and crafting. These skills help them earn an income and support their families. Students also form strong bonds with peers from across the region, building a sense of shared identity and resilience.
Parents have noticed the change. Prosper Lukula, whose daughters attend the school, said he’s proud to see them grow in an environment that respects their culture while preparing them for the world. “This school gave my daughters a second chance, and they are excelling,” he said.
Since its founding, the school has empowered over 400 girls through education and skills training. Its success has inspired similar initiatives across Uganda, with around five Congolese-led schools now serving not only Congolese nationals but also other migrant communities.
As the sun sets over Katwe, the voices of girls echo through the school compound, filled with hope, ambition, and purpose. For girls like Bigirimana, the chance to learn in a familiar language and in a safe space has reignited dreams once thought lost. With books in hand and dreams in their hearts, these girls are not just surviving—they’re preparing to lead, create, and give back.
“I want to travel, learn, and come back to teach other girls that nothing is impossible,” said Bigirimana. In giving them a second chance, this school is shaping not only futures but a stronger, more united Africa.