Opening University Doors to Refugees

Across the world, many societies are undergoing the profound change due to the displacement of approximately 65 million people through political turmoil and conflict. This crisis has implications for higher education, since humanitarian aid efforts are for the most part focused on providing access to primary and secondary education. Higher education, by contrast, often falls by the wayside as a luxury.

Yet we cannot forget that when displaced and refugee students have no means to continue or initiate postsecondary education, the whole world is impacted. Stable societies are rooted on the talents and labors of individuals working together for the common good. When millions are displaced, that simply is not possible. Communities and nations are already suffering because of the many lives put on hold, and a "lost generation" of youth consigned to spend their days living in refugee camps.