From Language Barrier to Global Voice: A Hubs Alum Journey from Kakuma to the World
Christian Baobab, presenting his civic engagement project at the 2024 Get Engaged Student Action and Youth Leadership Conference in Berlin, Germany.
“I believed that learning English would help me integrate into the community and open doors for education and professional opportunities,” he recalls. “And I was right.”
Six years later, Christian has become a recognized voice for refugee youth across East Africa and beyond. Today, he serves as the Communications Officer for the Hubs for Connected Learning Initiatives. He has co-produced documentaries, co-mentored hundreds of young people in media training, and held high-level advocacy roles for UNICEF and Global Affairs Canada, among others.
But his real turning point came when he joined the Realizing Higher Education Access Program (RhEAP) at the Hubs, a moment he describes as transformative. “I was doing what I loved; co-producing human interest stories and documentaries in Kakuma, while learning from some of Kenya’s best filmmakers and directors. But I still had a thirst for knowledge, and most importantly, I wanted to earn a degree from an internationally recognized university. When I saw the RhEAP call for applications, I applied enthusiastically.”
At the Hubs, Christian didn’t just learn; his commitment, curiosity, and storytelling skills earned him the role of Global Media Fellow, representing the Hubs across the broader Global Higher Education Alliance (formerly OSUN). He also became a peer mentor, helping other learners in Kakuma navigate their academic and creative paths. He recently secured admission to Rutgers University – New Brunswick, the State University of New Jersey in the USA, and Parami University for the 2025–2026 academic year.
During his time as a student at the Hubs, Christian also joined the Refugee Education Council. This Global Affairs Canada initiative brings together young refugee leaders from around the world to advocate for equitable and quality access to education. At one point, he was juggling full-time work, international council responsibilities, and studies.
“It was a busy time,” he reflects. “I was still working with FilmAid, I was in school, and I was serving on the council. Later, I transitioned into working with UNICEF. That was a big turning point for me, and I managed to secure it because I already had the foundational interpersonal and professional skills I had acquired through the RhEAP program.”
Yet perhaps Christian’s most meaningful contribution is the one rooted in his lifelong love for storytelling. From his childhood days of journaling, when his siblings would sneak off to read his writing in secret, Christian had always felt drawn to stories. That passion became purpose when he launched the Refugee Uplift Network, a social initiative born during his time at FilmAid. The project helps young refugees in Kakuma harness digital media to tell their own stories. It has trained tens, created income opportunities for refugee creatives, and connected with international institutions like the University of Oxford. The initiative has also been recognized by the Amahoro Coalition Fellowship, among other leading incubators.
Today, Christian’s voice resonates far beyond Kakuma. He has spoken at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva (2023), presented at the Get Engaged Youth Leadership Conference in Berlin (2024), and continues to uplift the stories of others who, like him, started with nothing but determination and a story to tell. His story is proof that when refugee youth are given the tools, space, and support to thrive, especially through programs like the RhEAP, they don’t just survive. They lead, inspire, and transform the world around them.
Post Date: 08-05-2025