From Refugee Camp to Graduate School: Emmanuel’s Journey

Emmanuel grew up in a refugee camp after his family fled a devastating conflict. Despite overwhelming obstacles, he never gave up on his dream of education. While still living as a refugee, Emmanuel completed his Bachelor's Degree and formed a company to teach computer literacy. Now, he’s been accepted to graduate school at the University of Illinois; an incredible achievement, but financial support is the final hurdle standing in his way.

With your help, Emmanuel can take the next step in his journey; from surviving hardship to becoming a community leader, scholar, and change maker. Every contribution gets him closer to a future for which he has worked tirelessly.

Be part of this story. Help Emmanuel continue to turn a hard past into a promising and hopeful future.

My name is Emmanuel Ndayisaba. For the past 20 years, I have lived in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi. In a place where hope is often hard to find, I have held on to education as my only ladder to a better future; not just for myself, but for my community and hopefully, the world.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Development from Xavier Institute of Management, a top-ranked Jesuit university.

I hold a Diploma in Business Management from Regis University and certificates in Python, HTML, CSS, and C# computer programming languages, as well as Marketing Strategy. Through these experiences, I worked hard to equip myself and others in my community with the tools needed for meaningful change. So now, what is the next challenge?

A dream come true!

I just received the news that I was accepted to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to pursue a Master’s in Human Resources and Industrial Relations (MHRIR); a globally respected program that prepares future HR leaders to shape and sustainable workplaces. Here, I can continue to improve and empower myself and reinvest in my community–to pay it forward.

I want to focus on refugee workforce development and build pathways to employment for those left behind like the 57,000+ people in Dzaleka Refugee Camp. I dream of using evidence-based HR practices to design better employment policies, influence global refugee strategies, and partner with organizations to open doors for youth who have none. The next courageous inventor, dedicated student, or innovative business leader could be among those I would like to support.

This is where I need your help!

To make this a reality and secure my student visa, the University of Illinois requires proof of funding for my first year of study, $64,575 by May 2025. I am eligible for a work-study program for the second year, but I must cover the first year fully.

Your support, whether through a donation or by sharing my story with others, will not only help me attend one of the world’s best universities, but it will also fuel a long-term vision to transform lives through employment, dignity, and hope.

You’re not just helping me go to school; you’re investing in an entire generation of refugee youth who are waiting for someone to believe in them.

Together, we can change the narrative.

Thank you so much for standing with me.

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U of Illinois Admission Letter