Facing adversity: Young students born in exile start their academic training with dignity

RIDHE's Emergency Education program shares his memories that unfold a tapestry of stories, dreams and struggles.

Brussels, 4 November 2026. The International Human Rights Network – Europe (RIDHE) officially launched Education in Emergencies Next 360° (EeE Next 360°) at a hybrid event, held in person in Brussels and online. More than 70 organisations from Latin America and Europe took part.

The launch was led by RIDHE's Board of Directors and by the team of young people who have put the programme's theory of change into practice. They turned four years of experience into a model now presented as replicable.

‍From exile to the future

‍EeE Next 360° grew out of the "Education in Emergencies — Scholarships for Youth and Women" phase, launched in 2022 to support young Nicaraguans and women living in exile in Costa Rica. Since then, the programme has combined scholarships, psychosocial support, access to technology and technical training.

The results are set out in the official publication "From Exile to the Future":

• More than 460 university students continued their education.
• 382 women were supported through technical training, and 95.5% completed it.
• Participants have launched 20 micro-enterprises, with 5 more in incubation.

‍A new phase

‍The new phase extends the model to innovation, digital transformation, financial inclusion and economic autonomy for women and young people. It aims to scale to new emergency contexts in Latin America and the Caribbean.

‍What we aim to achieve

‍Through EeE Next 360°, RIDHE seeks to turn educational continuity into autonomy and sustainable opportunities. The model brings together education, psychosocial well-being and protection with digital skills, the responsible use of artificial intelligence, preparation for employment and entrepreneurship support. It also promotes the participation of women and young people in decisions affecting their lives and communities.

Our aim is to support complete pathways: returning to or continuing education, strengthening skills, rebuilding support networks and moving towards employment, self-employment or new community initiatives. To achieve this, we seek to connect universities, training centres, civil society organisations, businesses and communities, adapting support to each local context and to the barriers faced by people experiencing forced displacement.

‍Seeking funding and partnerships to extend our reach

‍RIDHE is seeking funding and partners to develop and expand this new phase. We invite foundations, development cooperation organisations, businesses, universities and individual donors to support scholarships and educational continuity, psychosocial support, access to technology, digital and technical training, and employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The funding we seek will help strengthen implementation, document and evaluate results, and adapt the model to new emergency contexts in Latin America and the Caribbean. We want to build partnerships that contribute financial resources, expertise, mentoring, equipment and concrete opportunities for participants.

‍Join EeE Next 360°

‍Organisations and individuals interested in providing funding, collaborating or exploring a partnership can contact Gerardo Carballo: Carballo@ridheuropa.org.

“Every intern here is a living proof of the human capacity to overcome the most challenging circumstances...