Global Students Unite: Innovations for Refugee Inclusion
Historic Win for Global Student Teams at CIEE Conference
Winning teams will be awarded CIEE summer global internships.
At the 13th Annual CIEE Global Internship Conference, history was made as two student teams, Team Unstoppables from Uganda and Team Path Seekers from Brazil, were named co-winners of the 2025 CIEE UNHCR Student Challenge. This exceptional event marked the first tie in the history of this prestigious Challenge.
Empowering Refugees through Innovative Solutions
The CIEE UNHCR Student Challenge is co-sponsored by CIEE and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. It encourages students to design actionable solutions for enhancing refugee access to higher education and livelihood opportunities.
This year, 123 teams comprising 435 students from 143 colleges and universities across 63 countries submitted proposals outlining their innovative ideas aimed at addressing the challenges faced by refugees. From this impressive pool of talent, 36 semifinalist teams were invited to refine their proposals and present them virtually to a panel of distinguished judges.
Ultimately, three standout teams emerged as finalists, showcasing exceptional ideas that had significant potential. These teams presented their work live at the Global Internship Conference.
Meet the Winning Teams
Team Unstoppables from Uganda
All members hail from Makerere University:
- Shalom Nyirimana Ishimwe (Team Captain)
- Sasha Achola
- Rhinah Akankunda
Their winning proposal, a mobile camp titled "Re-Platform," aims to connect displaced youth with education and apprenticeship opportunities in their communities, empowering them to build brighter futures.
Team Path Seekers from Brazil
This team includes:
- Júlia Kamata de Castro (Team Captain), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP)
- Henrique do Bomfim Braga Chaves, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (PUC-MG)
- Giulia Kaori Nagao, Paulista University (UNIP)
- Bianca Serighelli, Technological Federal University of Paraná (UTFPR)
Their proposal, "Borderless Apprentices," features an innovative 4+1 apprenticeship model that provides vocational training, micro-credentials, and community engagement for young refugees.
Valuable Learning Experiences
Henrique do Bomfim Braga Chaves expressed, "This challenge provided us with a unique opportunity to innovate with purpose and advocate for refugee youth issues worldwide. After years in university, this experience empowered us to contribute to meaningful solutions for refugee challenges. Winning is just the beginning of our journey."
Team Aspan from Kazakhstan also stood out as a runner-up for their proposal, promoting access to jobs through a digital health apprenticeship program.
Finalist teams were evaluated by a panel of experts, including:
- James P. Pellow, President and CEO, CIEE
- Laura Brege, Senior Advisor, BridgeBio and CIEE Board Chair
- Wendy Ong, Philanthropy and Partnership Lead, UNHCR
James P. Pellow noted, "The Student Challenge enables students to engage meaningfully with global issues, helping to deepen our understanding of refugee challenges and developing impactful proposals while building essential skills for their future careers."
About CIEE and UNHCR
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, focuses on protecting the rights of those forced to flee conflict and violence. With millions displaced globally, the organization aims to empower the youth in shaping future refugee inclusion.
Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) has spent over 75 years connecting individuals and cultures through study abroad, internships, and exchange programs, cultivating global citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the CIEE UNHCR Student Challenge?
The Challenge encourages students to design solutions that enhance refugee access to education and employment opportunities.
How many teams participated in the competition?
A total of 123 teams participated, with 435 students from various universities across 63 countries.
Who were the winners of the challenge?
Team Unstoppables from Uganda and Team Path Seekers from Brazil were named co-winners of the 2025 CIEE UNHCR Student Challenge.
What was a highlights of the winners’ proposals?
Team Unstoppables proposed a mobile camp creating educational and apprenticeship opportunities, while Team Path Seekers presented a model for vocational training and community support.
How did the challenge impact the participants?
The challenge provided students with an opportunity to engage with real-world issues, advocate for refugees, and develop valuable skills for their future careers.
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