Launch of the HERCoN Refugee Student Advisory: Empowering Voices, Shaping Futures
13 August 2025
Access to higher education can be truly life-changing, but for refugees and displaced students, the path is often filled with unique challenges. As the leading experts on their own experience, refugee students should be at the heart of driving change. That’s why we are thrilled to announce the launch of the HERCoN Refugee Student Advisory initiative!
A Collective Voice for Refugee Students
The Refugee Student Advisory comes after a successful call for applications run from April to May 2025, which gathered 22 student applicants from across Europe. Applications represented a mixed group: 4 students from Ireland, 5 from Belgium, 3 from France, 8 from Italy, 1 from Spain, and 1 from Germany. Applicants originated from countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Burundi, Afghanistan, and Eritrea.
The selection process focused on personal motivation, expertise, and advocacy interests. The selection aimed for diversity in gender, country of study, and academic background, resulting in a balanced council of 10 Advisors from 10 different universities and wide-ranging disciplines: from Economics to Linguistics, STEM, and Social Sciences.
Meet the Advisors
France:
Jawad Haidari (Afghanistan), University of Caen Normandie, Linguistics. Wants to support more accessible programs.
Adiel Bigiririndavyi (Burundi), Université Clermont Auvergne, Sustainable Development Economics. Interested in clearer education information for camp-based refugees.
Ireland:
Cesana Kitoko (Democratic Republic of Congo), University of Galway, Biotechnology graduate, now working. Focus on links between education and employment.
Kanku Biselele Pelerin (Democratic Republic of Congo), University College Cork, Civil Engineering. Interested in integration and inclusive education pathways.
Belgium:
Eliya Cigiriza Muka (Democratic Republic of Congo), UCLouvain, Political and Social Economics. Interested in accessibility and recognition of qualifications.
Stephen Chan (South Sudan), KU Leuven, Master’s in Social and Cultural Anthropology. Wants more opportunities and more universities involved.
Spain:
Siham Bushra Mohammed (Eritrea), University of Barcelona, Citizenship and Human Rights: Ethics and Politics. Interested in gender equality and inclusive education policies.
Italy:
Apollo Thon Pach (South Sudan), University of Verona, Economics and Data Analysis. Aims to share experiences to support future students.
Wishiye Joshua Kabelu (Democratic Republic of Congo), University of Tuscia, Security and Human Rights. Focus on accessibility, financial support, language learning, and clear information.
Bernice Kula-Kula (Democratic Republic of Congo), University of Cagliari (now living in France), Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity and AI. Will work on improving women’s access to STEM.
The Advisors meet regularly to exchange experiences, shape their collaborative agenda and undergo training on topics like European education pathways, public speaking, and advocacy. This supports the empowerment of these changemakers to advocate with confidence at national and/or European levels. Bilateral meetings are also in the works to connect Advisors with key stakeholders in Ireland, France, Belgium, Spain, and Italy.