Simon was just 13 years old when his family fled Angola’s bloody civil war, seeking refuge in a camp in Namibia. Amid the harsh realities of life as a refugee, Simon’s life changed the day he saw a man teaching children outside a tent. Curious and inspired, Simon asked if he could join the lessons. That simple request ignited a lifelong passion for education.
In 2004, his family was repatriated to Angola, where financial struggles seemed certain to end his dreams. Refusing to give up, Simon worked tirelessly transporting mud bricks, saving every penny to eventually return to Namibia. There, at 18 years old, he re-enrolled in school and restarted grade 6, years behind his peers. Facing relentless bullying and financial hardships, Simon persevered, completing high school and enrolling at University of the People.
Now 35, Simon lives in Namibia with his younger brother, juggling his studies and work to earn a degree in Business Administration. Without a smartphone or laptop, Simon walks more than 30 miles roundtrip each day to an internet café to complete his assignments. After graduating, he dreams of launching a private radio station to create jobs and empower his community, proving that the transformative power of education can change not only one life but an entire community.
Simon’s story is one of extraordinary resilience, hope, and determination. And it’s a story that is only possible because of donors like you.
This year, over 150,000 students from more than 200 countries are studying at UoPeople—including refugees and others just like Simon who dream of a brighter future despite the challenges they face. Your gift today can help students like Simon unlock their potential.
