Information Journeys of Refugees in Higher Education: The case of Uganda

This study delved into the information journeys of refugee students navigating higher education in Uganda, utilising a qualitative, participatory-action approach to discern the specific needs, sources, and processes influencing their information-seeking behaviours while pursuing their higher education (HE). It aimed to address a research gap concerning the pivotal role of information in facilitating higher education for refugee students in protracted refugee situations such as Uganda. Drawing on interview and focus group data, including Information World Maps (IWMs) created by participants, the research focussed on the critical role of information in facilitating higher education for refugee students in protracted situations such as Uganda. The findings illuminate the non-linear nature of the information journey, unveiling the complexities inherent in this process. Furthermore, the study proposes an Information Agility Model (IAM)—a dynamic, multi-modal and replicable framework designed to enhance understanding of refugee information strategies, behaviours and possible opportunities for intervention and support. Lasty, the study explores actionable strategies, identified by the students to improve information practices for refugees in HE. In partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Tertiary Refugee Student Network (TRSN) in Kampala, the research confronts the challenges within a resource-limited setting that accommodates Africa's largest refugee population. By shifting the narrative from refugees as passive recipients to active agents in their educational pursuits, the study underscores the transformative potential of interventions such as refugee led advocacy, mentorship programs, culturally relevant outreach, and digital literacy training. These interventions are poised to significantly support refugee students by promoting agency and access to educational resources, thereby fostering a more academically inclusive and supportive environment for refugees in higher education.