From the red-dust trails of Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda emerges a quiet but powerful force for transformation—Robert Ndasunikwa, a young Congolese refugee whose love for technology and storytelling is lighting up new paths not just for himself, but for the next generation. A writer, coder, and community mentor, Robert represents the intersection between words and innovation, proving that when stories meet skills, impact follows.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and displaced by conflict, Robert’s early life was marked by instability and trauma. But amidst the chaos, one thing remained clear: he was destined to learn, to create, and to teach. He arrived in Nakivale with nothing but hope and a fierce determination to build something meaningful out of his experiences.
“I’ve always believed that education doesn’t stop with school. For me, every moment is an opportunity to grow. Every challenge is a lesson,” he says.
An Early Fascination with Technology and Language
Unlike many of his peers, Robert’s mind was drawn equally to technology and language. He was captivated not only by computers and mobile apps, but also by books, poetry, and storytelling. As a teenager, he would spend hours at Nakivale’s community library, immersing himself in English novels, and later teaching himself how to write essays, short stories, and journalistic pieces.
But his curiosity didn’t end there. With the help of borrowed phones, community centers, and sporadic access to free Wi-Fi, Robert began exploring online platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, and FreeCodeCamp—learning everything from HTML and CSS to Python and basic app design.
“I didn’t wait for a classroom to find me,” Robert explains. “I found one wherever I could. YouTube became my university. The internet became my school.”
The Writer Within – Turning Refugee Narratives into Tools for Empowerment
Robert’s writing journey began as a way of documenting his own story—but it quickly became a way to uplift others. He began writing blog posts and essays focused on refugee life, the struggles of youth in Nakivale, and the dreams that often go unheard.
In 2022, he launched “Voices from the Camp,” a community blog where refugee youth could publish poems, articles, and reflections. The platform not only encouraged literacy and creativity but became a safe space for emotional expression and peer connection.
“So many young people in the settlement feel invisible,” he says. “When they write something and see it published, it’s like they matter again. Their words give them power.”
Robert also works as a volunteer contributor for refugee-focused publications and has been featured in newsletters and digital platforms covering humanitarian innovation in East Africa. His writing, often deeply personal yet universally relatable, reflects a blend of vulnerability, resilience, and insight.
Championing Lifelong Learning in a Place Where Opportunities Are Scarce
One of Robert’s most inspiring qualities is his unshakable belief in lifelong learning. In a place where even primary education can be a privilege, he’s made it his mission to show others that learning doesn’t end with a classroom.
In 2023, Robert began organizing free tech literacy sessions in Nakivale. With a group of like-minded youth, he co-founded a grassroots initiative called Digilearn Hub, aimed at teaching digital skills to out-of-school youth and young adults. The workshops cover everything from basic computer use to online freelancing and safe internet practices.
“We may not have the best tools or the fastest internet,” he says, “but what we do have is passion, potential, and the willingness to help each other grow.”
His sessions are held in community tents or shaded spaces outside, using a handful of old laptops, solar-powered devices, and printed handouts. Still, the demand is overwhelming. In just four months, Digilearn Hub has trained over 80 youth, many of whom are now exploring online income opportunities or volunteering as trainers themselves.
Vision for the Future: Words, Code, and Community
When asked about his future, Robert doesn’t speak only of career dreams—he talks about impact.
“I want to be a bridge between where we are and where we could be,” he says. “Technology can open doors. Writing can change minds. Together, they can rebuild communities.”
He’s currently working on his first short novel—a semi-autobiographical piece about refugee youth and hope—while pursuing an online certification in digital marketing and web development. He hopes one day to launch an e-learning platform specifically for refugees in East Africa.
His long-term vision includes becoming an educator, author, and digital inclusion advocate, helping marginalized communities gain the skills and confidence to thrive in the digital age.
Conclusion: The Pen and the Pixel
In Nakivale, where each day is a lesson in resilience, Robert Ndasunikwa is a teacher, even if he doesn’t wear the title. Through his words and his work, he is crafting a better reality for those around him.
In his story lies a powerful truth: you don’t need perfect conditions to make progress. You just need purpose.
