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From refugee to scholar: How the UNESCO Qualifications Passport transformed Kalinda’s life

Meet Kalinda Maombi, a 33-year-old refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) currently living in Zambia. “The UNESCO Qualifications Passport (UQP) for me is absolutely the key to achieve my future plans and goals,” he says. Kalinda fled his conflict-hit eastern DRC region and received the UQP in 2022. His academic journey has recently taken a new turn. “I have even been admitted to study for a master’s degree at Roma Tre University in Italy on a full scholarship,” he says.

31 July 2024

Last update:5 August 2024

Born in Beni City, Kalinda completed his primary and secondary education in his birth city.

He then pursued his higher education at the Adventist University of Goma, where he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and education sciences in 2019. He also obtained a diploma from the Assumption University of Congo-Beni. However, the escalating conflict in his region would soon disrupt his aspirations.

“When the conflict escalated in Beni region, our house was attacked, and everything we owned was destroyed, including my school certificates and documents,” says Kalinda. He was wounded with a bullet in his leg which required him to stay in a hospital for a long time. Afterwards, he made the difficult decision to flee his country. “When I decided to leave my country and seek refuge in Zambia, I had no academic or professional documentation to prove both my qualifications and skills,” he says. “I was deeply affected emotionally by the fact that I could not have access to the labour market and employment to use my skills and improve my life.”

A new hope through UNESCO

Resettled in the Meheba Refugee Settlement in Zambia's northwest, Kalinda learned about an initiative that would change his life: The UNESCO Qualifications Passport. This innovative initiative recognizes prior qualifications obtained by refugees and vulnerable migrants, offering them a second chance at education and professional integration.

After being interviewed by experts from all the relevant authorities, Kalinda was granted a UQP document. This allowed him to apply for the UNICORE 6.0 programme in Italy, securing a full scholarship to study for a master’s degree at Roma Tre University.

"The UQP opened up a world I never expected," he says. "This opportunity will allow me to continue my studies and make a difference in my life and the lives of people in my country."

Kalinda’s aspirations extend beyond his personal success. He dreams of contributing to the promotion of education in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where “education is often considered a luxury”. "He states: “Education should be the common denominator of all sectors of social life.” He envisions himself in a leadership position, guiding and developing productive and successful teams in the future.

Spreading a message of hope

Kalinda offers a message of hope and encouragement to other refugees and displaced people. "The UNESCO Qualifications Passport is an essential initiative," he emphasizes. "It gives those of us who lost our documentation a second chance at education and access to the labour market. I have a tremendous opportunity now to study in Europe, and it still feels unreal. Thanks to UNESCO, I have hope for a brighter future."

Like Kalinda, 93 successful applicants have received the UNESCO Qualifications Passport in Zambia which is the highest number in the world. The country was the first to adopt the initiative in 2019. The UNESCO Qualifications Passport is currently being implemented in Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Iraq.