Ruremesha Alimas Hussein
Ruremesha Alimas Hussein is a sophomore majoring in Operations Research and Management Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley.
Born in Burundi, Ruremesha fled to South Africa due to political reasons, living there as a refugee for sixteen years. During his time in South Africa, he assimilated into the country by learning its various languages — such as English, IsiZulu, and Afrikaans — and customs. Despite his efforts to integrate as a South African, he still felt that he did not belong. When it came to education, despite significant academic achievements, he could not receive national funding available to citizens.
However, he was determined to pursue higher education and raised awareness at the UNHCR offices about the plight of refugee youth who lack financial means and access to higher education simply because they are refugees.
Ruremesha Alimas Hussein
Delegate for Northern California
Born in Burundi
He was selected for the inaugural cohort of the Duolingo+UNHCR access program, which provided assistance in applying to universities abroad. As the first refugee student from South Africa to embark on this journey to access higher education abroad, both the UNHCR and UC Berkeley have been learning from his experience as he blazes a trail for many more talented refugee students to follow.
In the USA, he has volunteered with other organizations, including the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, advocating for refugees. Ruremesha understands what it’s like to face problems and feel disenfranchised to the point of being reluctant to seek solutions; but he also understands the importance and power of self-advocacy. As a Delegate, he aims to restore hope to undocumented individuals, asylees, refugees, and other vulnerable migrants, and to instill in them the belief in themselves and in the system, and that there are always solutions to every problem.
For speaking opportunities or media inquiries with Ruremesha or other Refugee Congress Delegates, please fill out this contact form or email media@refugeecongress.org.
