Statelessness advocate celebrates historic academic achievement in Kenya
Published: 14/Oct/2024
Source: UNHCR
Dizzying excitement filled Nosizi Dube’s heart as she opened a letter offering her a place to study economics at the University of Nairobi four years ago. But with neither the birth certificate nor identity card required for university entry in Kenya, Nosizi’s excitement quickly turned to worry: how would her dream of a degree be possible?
As a member of Kenya’s stateless Shona community, Nosizi’s life had been marred by obstacles caused by her lack of legal identity. “I had no idea how I would get into university and start my studies,” she said.
But the 24-year-old has always believed in striving for the impossible. Nosizi’s strong academic record and unwavering desire for education fueled her determination, and in 2020 UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, and partners helped to convince the university to accept Nosizi despite her lack of legal citizenship.
The intervention was part of years of concerted advocacy that in 2021 saw the Government of Kenya grant citizenship to 1,659 Shona people, ending more than half a century of statelessness. The historic move has had a profound positive impact on the Shona community: children now have birth certificates, enabling them to attend school, access government bursaries, medical services and health insurance.
Achieving full potential
For Nosizi, the advocacy had paid off in a very specific way, as she stood in the university graduation square earlier this year, in a black gown and mortarboard cap clutching her degree certificate. “Today is a very special day for me. It marks an end to the struggles I faced and unlocks more opportunities for me,” she said, beaming with pride.
Read further: https://www.unhcr.org/africa/news/stories/statelessness-advocate-celebrates-historic-academic-achievement-kenya