ADS 2024, Sub-theme 3 – Video Interviews with Experts | Office of the Special Adviser on Africa

Week 3 | Day Two — 21 May

As we continue to focus on the sub-theme of the week, the following experts share their knowledge and personal perspectives on key issues related to "Education and learning in crisis-affected areas."

Promoting reading and access to books in refugee camps in Kenya

Mr. Abdullahi Mire, a former refugee and journalist, is the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award 2023 Global Laureate. He is the founder of a youth-led organization that supports refugee students in Kenya’s Dadaab camp, providing books to support schools and libraries in the camp. A more detailed article and bio for Mr Mire is available on the .

Why I fight for the education of refugee girls (like me)

is a South Sudanese refugee who was educated in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. Mary has since become one of UNHCR’s Goodwill Ambassadors and is a powerful advocate girls’ education and the importance of both secondary and tertiary education in providing refugees with the skills needed to be resilient and have access to professions where they can contribute to the communities in which they live.

Interview with Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Executive Governor of Borno State, Nigeria

Professor Babagana Umara Zulum serves as the Executive Governor of Borno State, Nigeria. Born in Borno State, he has a diverse career background including civil service, academia, and politics, having served as a university lecturer and administrator before entering politics. Zulum has contributed significantly to education and development in his state. In this video, Zulum highlights some of the key challenges in ensuring access to quality education for all children in Borno state, how his administration works to address the learning needs of children and teachers in crisis and to ensure that all children have equal opportunities, what innovative technologies are being leveraged, and looking ahead what policy changes and investments are planned.

Interview with Ibrahim Zanna Sunoma, Deputy Speaker of the National Children's Parliament in Nigeria

Ibrahim Zanna Sunoma is a speaker of the Borno State Children’s Parliament in Nigeria, where he leads 58 children, including children with disabilities, in Parliament. His activities across the years led to the passage of the Child Rights Law in Borno state parliament in 2022. He led advocacy and eventually became a member of the committee that drafted the law. His work includes denouncing attacks on schools. Ibrahim plans to build a strong organization that will help bring peace to children across Nigeria and looks forward to continuing to inspire other children and defend their rights. In this video, Ibrahim touches on advocacy for the implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, safe and protective learning environments, and community engagement that includes the voices of children and youth.

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