the power of knowledge

By Rishan, Media Ambassador

On UNESCO’s International Day of Education (24 January), we celebrate the power of knowledge to transform lives and communities. We also recognise the power of learning and improving that leads to the cycle of development and growth. 

International Day of Education emphasises that learning is a fundamental human right for everyone, including refugees.

For many young refugees in the UK, education represents more than just an academic continuation; it symbolises hope, resilience and a pathway to rebuild lives. Fleeing conflict, persecution, or other life-threatening situations, these individuals often find themselves in a new country with unique challenges, such as adapting to a new environment with less access to education and language barriers. Despite the obstacles, their determination to access education reflects a universal desire for a brighter future. 

Here at KRAN, we recognise the potential of our young people and how important is education to them. We start with basic English and numeracy skills and then progress, some as far as university (a visit to Canterbury Christ Church University last summer proved inspirational for many of our students).

Education has no limit: our young people work hard with ambition and continue to grow learning and developing. 

Kathy, one of our teachers, says “It is wonderful to see the progress students make, not just academically, but in how they make friends and settle into their new community.”

Many of our young people start at our Learning for Life (L4L) classes having had no education in their home country. 

Sarah, our Early Intervention Caseworker, says: “Alongside learning English and maths, we also help them understand their new communities with essential life skills, as well as receiving our wrap-around support. They work so hard to achieve their goals and we are immensely proud of them.”

As we celebrate International Day of Education, let us  encourage every young person into education. By investing in their potential, we contribute not only to their personal development but also to the richness and diversity of our society.

Education transcends borders and when we provide a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for young refugees, we invest in a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.