Kakuma Refugee Camp - Amina’s Story

Amina, a 22-year-old Sudanese woman, arrived at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya half a lifetime ago.

At the age of just 11, she, her mother and her eight siblings fled her home in Kadugli to escape the conflict that was unfolding in her homeland.

Remembering the war she described the situation: “The soldiers would kill innocent people; their blood was shedding everywhere in Sudan at that moment.

“So, my mum said ‘since people have been killed, we have to search for a way to leave this country’.”

Amina had to embark on a one-week journey to Kenya in a lorry which carried 13 families of around 11 people in each one, whilst followed by a military escort as they traveled into the even more dangerous South Sudan.

Her story encapsulates the struggles faced by many displaced individuals arriving into a refugee camp.

Settling into life in Kakuma was not without its challenges.

The transition brought with it a sense of alienation and unfamiliarity.

“At first when we arrived, it was difficult for us because we didn't know people here," Amina explains, highlighting the cultural and social barriers they encountered.

The realisation that they belonged to different tribes and communities added another layer of complexity to their integration process.

Amina has always found solace in education even when she was a young girl in Sudan.

“In primary school, I found myself in love with mathematics, English, and sciences," she shared, reflecting on the seeds of passion that were sown early in her academic journey.

Her fascination with computers blossomed from childhood experiences too, as she fondly remembers tinkering with her father's laptop whenever the opportunity arose.

Through the support of organisations like the Advocacy Initiative for Youth Development, Amina is now forging a path towards her dream job of becoming a software developer, defying the odds stacked against her.

The unwavering support of mentors like Honore Ebengo, who runs the Advocacy Initiative for Youth Development, has been instrumental in Amina's journey.

“Honore is a kind, helpful, and amazing person," she effuses, acknowledging the pivotal role he has played in her educational and personal development.

His guidance and encouragement have instilled in her a sense of purpose and direction, propelling her towards her goals.

Despite her enthusiasm for learning, Amina's journey has been fraught with obstacles.

She began studying Computer Science in 2023 as part of a diploma at Cambridge on a part-scholarship, but had to drop off because no one was able to sufficiently support her she explains, citing financial constraints as a major impediment to her academic pursuits.

Access to the internet in Kakuma has proved to be a gateway to knowledge and connectivity for Amina and others in the camp.

“The Internet has helped us to know what is going on all over the world.

“Before you are not knowing even what's in Kenya, what's in Uganda, what's anywhere, but now, since the internet is here, you are able to research to find what's new for you to get.”

However, the reality of limited resources and infrastructure meant that accessing the internet was not always straightforward, particularly given the financial constraints faced by many refugees.

“In Kenya, it is very hard because you have to have credit to buy bundles for yourself,” Amina explains.

However, Advocacy Initiative for Youth Development’s centre, supported by unconnected.org, emerged as a beacon of hope for youngsters like Amina, as through their WiFi provision she and her peers gained access to free internet which has helped keep her informed about what is happening in Sudan as well as also lay the groundwork for her aspirations in the field of software development.

The nature of the WiFi being set up at the refugee camp still means that internet speeds can be affected, so she views it as her duty to be productive when she can get a stable internet connection.

“When I come to the centre, when the internet is strong, I have to use it.

“But if it's not strong, I'm going to have to skip my class because there's nowhere else, I can find the internet for me to study online, that's what is affecting us.”

Looking ahead to the future Amina remains steadfast in her pursuit of her ultimate dream of becoming a software developer outside Kenya.

That said, she still would view it as a success to do so within Kenya, so long as she finds an education that can help support her achieve what she desires.

She wistfully reflected on the importance of perseverance and self-discovery for other young girls entering the camp at Kakuma.

“My hope for other people or the younger ones who have still not started their studies is that they have to work hard to know what it is they want in their life.

“The only thing I have to tell them is they have to work hard to know what it is they want in their life. You know, whenever you want something in life, it's what you get. But when you don't know what you're aiming towards, it’s very hard.”

Regardless of the obstacles they may face, she implores them to remain resolute in their pursuit of knowledge and fulfillment as she does in regards to her age and gender.

Amina is the youngest in her class but she believes it does not need to negatively impact her.

In terms of being a woman she reflects that it can have both great benefits as well as massive drawbacks in the refugee camp environment.

“Being a girl, it doesn't mean that you cannot reach your goals. In Kenya, we have a lot of opportunities for girls that you have [available] to achieve what you want.

“On the other hand [the experience of] being a girl in Kenya depends on the family that you are in. If in your family there are boys you have to work early in the morning to cook for them. In the evening you have to cook for them. You have to do all the work. 

“So, if you are in a good family that knows what is the value of a girl, you have to share the hardship. But when you're in the family that says girls should work for everything, it's hard work to do, it's very difficult for a lady.”

Despite having younger brothers in the family, as she is now no longer one of nine as she was when she arrived to Kakuma but rather the third oldest of twelve siblings, and therefore having more chores and responsibilities at home, Amina is determined to fulfill her dreams.

With the internet at her disposal and her immense dedication, we have no doubt this won’t be possible for her.