JWL_Kakuma and Malawi Cover Page
July 30, 2018 — This month, 61 refugees in Kenya and Malawi earned diplomas from Regis University through the Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL) program.
Father John P. Fitzgibbons, SJ, president of Regis University in Denver, and Father Daniel Hendrickson, SJ, president of Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, handed out diplomas at JWL graduation ceremonies at the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya on July 16 and the Dzaleka refugee camp in Malawi on July 20.
“Many of us think the refugees are the poorest of the poor and most marginalized. Those in the refugee camps, while they are poor, are often the business-oriented ones. They’re very resourceful. They’re very bright. In this program, they feel like the world is finally investing in them,” said Fr. Fitzgibbons.
Founded in 2010, JWL provides university-level coursework for refugees in 11 countries. The program offers refugees the opportunity to earn a diploma in liberal studies. Typically completed in three years, the 45 credit-hour diploma includes 30 core credits in liberal studies and 15 credits in one of three specialties: social work, education or business. Many of the graduates use their education to start businesses or lead community-based organizations within their camp, and credits they earn can be applied toward bachelor's degree programs at U.S. institutions.