A young girl’s dream: Babra Khalid

When Barbra Khalid finished high school in Kakuma refugee camp, her dream was simple and clear: she wanted to study computer science and build a future in technology. But like many young refugees, she felt that going to university might be out of reach. Still, she didn't let her circumstances stop her.

Instead of waiting for opportunities to come to her, Barbra took her future into her own hands. She found new paths through vocational training programs offered by Resilience Action International and Human on the Loop. These programs not only taught her digital skills but also helped her find her voice, grow her confidence, and start earning money through meaningful online work.

Barbra Khalid is attending her class (Certificate of Liberal Studies course)  at JWL, RAI centre

Just like many other young people in the camp, studying at university was her dream. She imagined herself studying computer science, but limited chances made that seem uncertain. Barbra was determined. In 2023, she joined a basic ICT course with Resilience Action International (RAI), which became the start of her digital journey. That experience opened the door to Humans on the Loop, an online program that helped her improve her communication, English, digital literacy, and online work skills.

“Before joining these trainings, I didn’t even know how to use a computer properly,” Barbara recalls. “Now, I can design graphics, edit videos, do annotations, and even work on freelance digital projects.”

Through the Human on the Loop program, Barbara not only gained digital skills but also participated in paid projects that allowed her to apply what she learned. From annotations to professional video editing, she and her fellow trainees contributed to real-world tasks, some even participating in boot camps where they helped enhance video content for clients. She was among the first trainees to get an online job in the professional field of video editing and annotation, and earn some income from the project.

What stood out to Barbra most wasn’t just the knowledge she gained, but the confidence it gave her. “These programs didn’t just prepare me with skills. They prepared me for life. They gave me the confidence and a different way to realize my dream of studying Computer Science.”

In March 2025, Barbara enrolled at Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL) for a certificate in Liberal Studies, with plans to progress to a degree in general studies with a focus on Computer Science. Each lesson since then has built up her knowledge and computer skills.

For her, each step from RAI’s ICT training to the Human on the Loop projects has been a stepping stone toward achieving that long-held dream.

To youth who feel stuck or unsure, Barbara offers this advice: 

“Don’t stay in the box; Look around. There are opportunities like these that can change your life. Vocational training and digital learning can open doors you never imagined.”

Barbara's story showcases the strength of access, community, and a young woman's unwavering determination to carve out her path. Through organizations like RAI and collaborations like Human on the Loop, young people in Kakuma are discovering their voices and opening doors to a bright future in the digital world.