From Refugee Child to University Scholar

A journey spanning 30 years from conflict to education

Andrews Adjei, now a student at the University of Bradford, has shared his experience of fleeing war as a child refugee and his subsequent academic journey over the past three decades. His story highlights the challenges faced by refugees and the role of education in rebuilding lives.

Early life and escape from conflict

Born in Liberia, Andrews became a refugee at the age of six in 1996 during the First Liberian Civil War, which lasted from 1989 to 1997. Along with two sisters and one brother, he fled the conflict on board a ship called The Bulk Challenge. The vessel departed from Monrovia, Liberia, on 5 May 1996 and arrived in Takoradi, Ghana, nine days later. The refugees were then settled in a camp established by the Ghanaian government.

Andrews’ parents, who were missionaries in Liberia, remained behind while some of their eight children escaped the war. Reflecting on the journey, Andrews described the traumatic conditions on the ship, where thousands of people shared limited space and where he witnessed the presence of deceased passengers.

Life as a refugee and education challenges

Upon arrival in Ghana, Andrews and other refugees received aid from organisations such as UNICEF and the United Nations. He recalls the difficulties of continuing his education, which involved moving between schools and carrying his own table and chair on foot to examination halls, sometimes walking for 30 to 45 minutes.

Academic progress and current studies

Now aged 35, Andrews is pursuing a Master of Science in Sustainable Development at the University of Bradford. He is studying under the Chevening Scholarship, a UK government programme supporting international students who have demonstrated leadership potential. Andrews is also involved in university life as President of the Sustainability Society and serves as a student representative and ambassador.

He has taken study leave from his role at Cocoa360, a non-profit organisation working to provide healthcare and education in rural cocoa-farming communities in Ghana. His studies aim to enhance his ability to contribute to policy development and community programmes.

Future plans

• Return to Ghana to continue work with Cocoa360, focusing on expanding healthcare and education access in underserved and conflict-affected areas
• Advocate for equal access to schooling and mentor young leaders
• Plan to pursue a PhD in International Development at the University of Bradford within two years
• Aspiration to become a Member of Parliament in Ghana

Andrews emphasises the importance of understanding people’s backgrounds and experiences, noting that “you never know who you will meet tomorrow.” His journey from a child refugee to a scholar illustrates the long-term impact of education and resilience.