In May 2024, Asiya and Farook obtained the UNESCO Qualifications Passport (UQP), a tool designed to recognize the prior learning, qualifications, and credentials of refugees and vulnerable migrants to enable their access to higher education. This has opened up a new opportunity and hope for them to resume their education and pursue their dreams. 

Asiya and Farook received the UNESCO Qualifications Passport at a handover ceremony on 22 May 2024 in Lusaka, Zambia. 

“The UQP helps both refugees and nationals returning to their home country after years abroad,” said UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, Stefania Giannini speaking at the ceremony. “This enables them to access higher education institutions and continue their disrupted studies, using the UQP a criterion for application and admission.” 

The awarding ceremony was attended by the Acting Minister of Education of Zambia, Honorable Felix Mutati, and other senior officials from government and higher education authorities and institutions. 

“I believe this recognition is about more than academic qualifications. It is also about recognizing one’s dignity,” stated Ms. Giannini. 

The UNESCO Qualifications Passport is currently being implemented in Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Iraq. In Uganda, more than 200 UQP applications were received within two weeks of the launch of the initiative. From only first-round evaluations in May 2024, more than 50 UQP will be issued within the next month, in Kampala, Nakivale and Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement. 

• UNESCO Qualifications Passport
• UNESCO’s work in education in emergencies