Kigali, Rwanda – A pivotal morning session focused on expanding access to English education for refugees was held at the Times Higher Education Africa Universities Summit on March 20, 2025. Nigel Killick, Managing Director of the Reallyenglish Foundation, delivered an inspiring presentation that urged African universities and higher education institutions to take action in support of refugees through English language education.
Killick captured the audience’s attention by sharing his personal experience of learning languages before the digital age. He reminisced about using cassette tapes in his car to learn Portuguese, emphasizing the transformative shift brought about by technological advancements that now allow English language education to be accessible globally. “We can bring English right to everybody, anywhere in the world,” he stated, calling on universities to harness digital tools to enhance their educational outreach.
Aimed at establishing equitable access to education, Killick proposed a model in which universities could offer scholarship places to refugees in exchange for English language training. “This is a traditional barter system,” he said, highlighting how universities could improve their rankings while fulfilling a societal obligation to support displaced individuals. The call to action was clear: African universities must step up and create scholarship opportunities for refugees, ensuring they have access to essential language skills that can lead to future employment and studies.
Killick candidly addressed the deficiencies in the English language teaching sector, describing it as a “terrible rip-off” that often leaves learners frustrated and without the skills needed for real-world application. He stressed that universities have a critical role in changing this narrative by providing support, resources, and mentorship to aspiring learners. By focusing on language acquisition, institutions can uplift both the refugee community and their own student body.
To thrive in an interconnected world, it is crucial for higher education institutions to embrace inclusivity. Killick urged university leaders to consider extending language education beyond traditional classrooms, enabling not only students and faculty but also non-academic staff to benefit from English language programs. “Why not make a university fully bilingual over a few years?” he challenged participants, encouraging them to envision a more inclusive campus environment for all.
The session also spotlighted successful initiatives from Ukraine, where the Reallyenglish Foundation offered its platform for free, enabling local universities to provide English education to their citizens amidst the ongoing crisis. Killick’s appeal painted a compelling picture of how universities in Africa could similarly partner with local communities to provide English language access, fostering broader cultural understanding and cohesion across diverse populations.
In closing, Killick reaffirmed the foundation’s mission to democratize English language education, urging African universities and higher education institutions to embrace the responsibility of paving pathways for refugees. His impassioned call to action resonated among summit participants, as they recognized the vital role education can play in transforming lives.
As the summit progressed, the call to action remained clear: African universities must unite to expand access to English education, empower refugees, and contribute to creating an inclusive, equitable future that benefits all members of society.
