My name is Honey Abdurahman, and I am an Ethiopian refugee who lived in Uganda for 16 years. My journey, from the early days of living in Nakivale refugee settlement to studying at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, has been one of perseverance.
Early Life in Uganda
I don’t have many memories of Ethiopia, as I moved to Uganda at the age of five. My family initially settled in Kampala, but due to financial constraints, we relocated to Nakivale refugee settlement. Life at Nakivale shaped much of who I am today. It was at Daystar Primary School and later Kashojwa Primary School that I first learned the value of education. I was involved in extracurricular activities that allowed me to stand out for instance debates, poetry recitations, and Music, Dance, and Drama (MDD). In Primary 6, I was given the honour of being the deputy head boy, a role that strengthened my leadership abilities.
After primary school, I returned to Kampala to attend Mengo Senior Secondary School which was my dream school. I studied there for six years, completing both my O and A levels. Despite the challenges my family faced, I kept my focus, excelling academically and staying active in the Uganda Red Cross Society.
While all was going well, life threw another challenge when COVID-19 disrupted my final years of high school, stretching the academic calendar. To make matters worse, just before my final exams in Senior Six, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. My sister took on the role of caregiver while I tried to balance my studies with the weight of knowing that my mother was unwell. In May 2021, just a month after I completed my exams, she passed away. She was my guiding light, and her loss felt like losing a part of myself.
The Struggle for Higher Education
My mother hadn’t had the chance to pursue post-secondary education, and for a time, I feared that my path would be the same. I applied to various support programs, including DAFI and the Student Refugee Program (SRP). After countless applications—some even before finishing high school—I finally got my break. The quote “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” became my motto, and it was my persistence that eventually paid off.
A New Chapter in Canada
On August 19, 2024, I embarked on a journey I had dreamed of for years. With the support of amazing mentors like Madam Sally, Mr. John, and Gareth, I flew to Canada to begin my studies at the University of Saskatchewan.
Now, as a Computer Science student, I’m not just pursuing a degree but also honouring the legacy of my mother and the hopes and dreams of everyone who believed in me along the way. The journey wasn’t easy, but it’s far from over, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.