Computer science student in a Ugandan refugee camp struggles to replace a broken laptop needed for remote coursework

A University of London computer science student named Django, a Congolese refugee in Western Uganda, relies on solar power and prepaid Airtel data to complete remote coursework. His laptop’s motherboard failed after a power accident, threatening his ability to attend lectures, submit assignments, and take proctored exams.

The story highlights how remote education can expand access while still depending on fragile infrastructure like electricity, devices, and connectivity. For students in crisis settings, hardware access is not a convenience but a core requirement for participation in the digital economy.

Shipping a Laptop to a Refugee Camp in Uganda