The student-led Tertiary Refugee Student Network (TRSN), founded in 2019, connects refugee students worldwide and elevates refugee student activism to the global level. With members in over 15 countries and activities on a local, national, and global level, the TRSN advocates for increasing the percentage of refugee youth enrolled in higher education to 15% by 2030.
The TRSN brings refugee voices to the center of discussions and decisions about their lives. Through this platform, refugee students and alumni create synergies to support each other in developing their communities and encouraging other refugees to play their roles in life-changing areas, such as higher education. Through the creation of the TRSN, students have been able to connect and learn about the different opportunities for advocacy and activities happening around the world. TRSN students advocate for refugee education on a global and national level, raise awareness about the significance of education among their communities, and empower fellow refugee youth through skills training, workshops, and peer support.
The TRSN’s mission is to increase access and retention of refugees in higher education, defined under four main objectives:
● Increase refugee self-reliance through connecting refugee learners and alumni at local, national, and global levels
● Advocate for greater access to higher education to achieve 15% enrolment by 2030
● Provide guidance to institutions and students to promote quality academic experiences
● Increase awareness of, and access to, opportunities such as internships, professionaldevelopment, and employment.
