{"id":150640,"date":"2024-10-30T10:54:02","date_gmt":"2024-10-30T08:54:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/?post_type=post&#038;p=150640"},"modified":"2024-10-30T10:54:03","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T08:54:03","slug":"my-journey-to-graduation-from-refugee-to-communications-professional","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/my-journey-to-graduation-from-refugee-to-communications-professional\/","title":{"rendered":"My journey to graduation: from refugee to communications professional"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<div class=\"block-hero full-width id-block\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Shema-and-his-family.jpg');\">\n\n\t<div class=\"bg-mobile\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Shema-and-his-family-1024x461.jpg');\"><\/div>\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"curtain\"><\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"inner-blocks entry-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h1>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My journey to graduation: from refugee to communications professional<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-ingress\"><em>Guest blog by Shema Bienvenu, former intern for FCA Uganda. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-ingress\">On October 26, 2024, I graduated with a bachelor\u2019s degree in journalism and public relations\u2014an achievement that feels both surreal and rewarding. Reflecting on my journey, I am filled with gratitude, knowing how far I\u2019ve come from life of refugee in Uganda to becoming a communications professional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MY STORY BEGAN<\/strong> in my home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, but my educational journey truly took shape when fled to Uganda. Life as a refugee presented countless challenges, including adapting to a new culture and navigating an unfamiliar school system. During my O-level studies, I often felt that the odds were stacked against me. Yet, I held onto the belief that education could lead to a better future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A turning point came during my A-level education when Finn Church Aid (FCA) started supporting me. Their assistance provided me with the resources I needed to excel, and I dedicated myself fully to my studies. My hard work paid off when I was named the top student at my school\u2014a milestone that ignited my ambition to reach even greater heights.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SHEMA-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A man in a graduation gown and cap poses for a photograph.\" class=\"wp-image-150637\" style=\"width:466px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SHEMA-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SHEMA-360x480.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SHEMA-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SHEMA-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SHEMA-134x178.jpg 134w, https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SHEMA.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shema credits FCA for support during his education journey from secondary school to university. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>After completing my A-levels, I took on the role of assistant teacher at Nteziryayo Primary School, a school supported by FCA. This position allowed me to inspire young minds just as I had once been inspired. Teaching gave me a profound sense of purpose, knowing I could make a positive impact on the lives of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2020, I began my first-year studies at Nkumba University under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/what-we-do\/build-better-futures\/education\/higher-education-and-skills\/dafi-tertiary-scholarship-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DAFI\/UNHCR scholarship<\/a>. Just as I started, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my plans, forcing me to take a gap year. During that challenging time, I felt my dreams slipping away, but I refused to give up. Instead, I used those months to reflect and build my resilience, preparing to return to my studies stronger than before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I resumed university, I embraced every opportunity that came my way. During my internship, I gained invaluable experience as a communications intern at FCA, where I had the privilege of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/latest-news\/articles\/vocational-training-unlocks-the-potential-of-refugees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">writing articles<\/a> that articulated the impact of FCA on refugee learners, particularly in education. This experience deepened my understanding of refugee programs and strengthened my inspiration to serve my community through journalism. I learned to use various platforms to bring global attention to the needs of refugees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, I proudly serve as a research and communications officer at the Association of Refugees with Disability (ARD), a refugee-led organization committed to amplifying the voices of refugees with disabilities. Through my work, I strive to serve my community, particularly the most vulnerable among us. I am passionate about raising global awareness and advocating for refugee programs. I believe it is essential to highlight the challenges faced by these communities, which is why I joined ARD. I work tirelessly to ensure that the needs of refugees with disabilities, are recognized and addressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2448\" height=\"2448\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_20241026_093911_143-edited.jpg\" alt=\"A man in a graduation gown and cap poses for a photograph.\" class=\"wp-image-150649\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_20241026_093911_143-edited.jpg 2448w, https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_20241026_093911_143-edited-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_20241026_093911_143-edited-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_20241026_093911_143-edited-225x225.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_20241026_093911_143-edited-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_20241026_093911_143-edited-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_20241026_093911_143-edited-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_20241026_093911_143-edited-178x178.jpg 178w, https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_20241026_093911_143-edited-1920x1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2448px) 100vw, 2448px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shema at his graduation ceremony in October, 2024.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As I look back on my journey, I remember the days when I felt like just another refugee, struggling to find my place in the world. But now, I stand as a certified journalist and communications professional\u2014a testament to what\u2019s possible with support, perseverance, and determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am deeply grateful to Finn Church Aid, Association of Refugees with Disability (ARD), Windle International Uganda, UNHCR, and all the refugees who have supported and inspired me along the way. Their belief in me has been life-changing. I am committed to becoming a global advocate for refugees in all aspects, and my story serves as a reminder that no matter how challenging the journey, the destination is worth every step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-ingress\">&#8212;<br><em>We are incredibly proud of Shema&#8217;s achievements! <\/em><br><br><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/latest-news\/articles\/vocational-training-unlocks-the-potential-of-refugees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read an article<\/a> he wrote for us in 2023, while serving his internship with FCA Uganda.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"block-latest-articles-from-category full-width id-block has-bg\">\n\t<div class=\"container-lg\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"block-title\"><span class=\"bg\">You may also be interested in<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"row articles\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-md-4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"article-card article-card__default\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/no-child-should-be-neglected-because-of-a-disability\/\">\n\t\t<div class=\"article-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Michael-Bukenya-Mubende-7-2-480x320.png\" alt=\"No child should be neglected because of a disability\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"480\" height=\"320\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n\n\t<div class=\"article-meta\">\n\t\t<span>Blog<\/span><span>10.3.2026<\/span>\t<\/div>\n\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/no-child-should-be-neglected-because-of-a-disability\/\"><h3 class=\"article-title\">No child should be neglected because of a disability<\/h3><\/a>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-md-4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"article-card article-card__default\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/latest-news\/articles\/small-miracles-grow-in-the-shade-of-mango-trees\/\">\n\t\t<div class=\"article-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Michael-Bukenya-Mubende-11-480x320.png\" alt=\"Small miracles grow in the shade of mango trees\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"480\" height=\"320\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n\n\t<div class=\"article-meta\">\n\t\t<span>Article<\/span><span>9.3.2026<\/span>\t<\/div>\n\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/latest-news\/articles\/small-miracles-grow-in-the-shade-of-mango-trees\/\"><h3 class=\"article-title\">Small miracles grow in the shade of mango trees<\/h3><\/a>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-md-4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"article-card article-card__default\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/latest-news\/articles\/it-was-great-to-see-with-my-own-eyes-how-the-system-works\/\">\n\t\t<div class=\"article-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/kansanedustajat_hero_2-480x270.jpg\" alt=\"\u201cIt was great to see with my own eyes how the system works\u201d\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"480\" height=\"270\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n\n\t<div class=\"article-meta\">\n\t\t<span>Article<\/span><span>6.11.2025<\/span>\t<\/div>\n\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/latest-news\/articles\/it-was-great-to-see-with-my-own-eyes-how-the-system-works\/\"><h3 class=\"article-title\">\u201cIt was great to see with my own eyes how the system works\u201d<\/h3><\/a>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\t\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>My journey to graduation: from refugee to communications professional Guest blog by Shema Bienvenu, former intern for FCA Uganda. On October 26, 2024, I graduated with a bachelor\u2019s degree in journalism and public relations\u2014an achievement that feels both surreal and rewarding. Reflecting on my journey, I am filled with gratitude, knowing how far I\u2019ve come [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":197,"featured_media":150664,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"144261,115774,73864,108831,92897,132217","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","_improvement_type_select":"improve_an_existing","_thumb_yes_seoaic":false,"_frame_yes_seoaic":false,"seoaic_generate_description":"","seoaic_improve_instructions_prompt":"","seoaic_rollback_content_improvement":"","seoaic_idea_thumbnail_generator":"","thumbnail_generated":false,"thumbnail_generate_prompt":"","seoaic_article_description":"","seoaic_article_subtitles":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"countries":[],"article_themes":[],"class_list":["post-150640","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>My journey to graduation: from refugee to communications professional - FCA Finn Church Aid<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/ajankohtaista\/blogi\/my-journey-to-graduation-from-refugee-to-communications-professional\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"My journey to graduation: from refugee to communications professional\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"On October 26, 2024, I graduated with a bachelor\u2019s degree in journalism and public relations\u2014an achievement that feels both surreal and rewarding. 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