December 15, 2023
Duolingo English Test Team to attend the Global Refugee Forum, commits to UNHCR’s 15×30 pledge
PITTSBURGH — We are pleased to announce that representatives from the Duolingo English Test (DET) will be attending this year’s Global Refugee Forum at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, from December 13 to 15.
In line with our commitment to improving access to quality education for all, Duolingo is proud to endorse the UNHCR’s 15 by 30 pledge. This ambitious goal seeks to increase refugee enrollment in higher education to 15% by 2030. This commitment comes at a time when only 7% of refugees worldwide are able to access higher education.
As part of this endeavor, the DET has partnered with the UNHCR to launch the Duolingo University Access Program. This program aims to create improved pathways to higher education for refugee students. It offers one-on-one guidance and assistance with the university and financial aid application processes, as well as immigration and visa processes.
In order to celebrate these efforts, the DET took center stage at Times Square, New York to showcase this shared commitment of fostering educational opportunities and empowering refugees on their academic journey. In a spectacular display, billboards featured the faces of selected scholars, who embody resilience, potential, and the power of education. This epitomizes DET’s mission towards creating a brighter future through accessible and inclusive education.
As a part of this endeavor 25 high performing refugee students from India, Iraq, and South Africa have been able to get access to world class education across the world. As a part of this initiative two Rohingya students from India have been granted student visas in Canada, this is unprecedented and the first time visas like this have been granted. These brilliant students have the potential to be intellectual powerhouses at their future universities. To help ensure their successful outcomes, DET’s program director, Laura Kaub, in partnership with local UNHCR operations, has provided bespoke advice.
We are excited to announce that a second cohort of Scholars has recently been selected for the program. These students have already begun the process of exploring their best-fit university pathways for Fall 2024 enrollment.
Our commitment to the UNHCR’s 15 by 30 pledge, and the expansion of the Duolingo University Access Program, is a reflection of our mission to make education accessible to everyone. We believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to learn and grow, and we are committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent people from reaching their full potential.
