Refugee Turns Passion for Health into Public Degree

Makagbeh Princess Sesay earns her public health degree, driven by her experiences as a refugee and her desire to assist vulnerable communities.

Makagbeh Princess Sesay has fulfilled a lifelong dream by graduating with a Bachelor of Science in public health from the University of Manchester. Her journey began when she fled civil war in Liberia in 1990, leading to a decade spent in refugee camps volunteering alongside humanitarian organizations.

Reflecting on her past, the now 52-year-old emphasized the importance of healthcare, education, sanitation, and nutrition in promoting the wellbeing of vulnerable communities. “Growing up as a refugee showed me the true value of these elements,” she stated, noting that her education has further fueled her desire to address health inequalities.

Sesay’s harrowing journey began when she and her family escaped Liberia, loading themselves onto a truck as they left the conflict behind. After enduring significant personal loss, including the deaths of her parents, she endured a challenging childhood in various towns in Guinea, living alongside thousands of displaced Liberians. “People were left with no good food, no security, and there was no infection control or safety,” she recalled.

Her recollections are unsettling as she described how children, including herself, faced abuse during rebel incursions. Despite these horrors, she found solace in the support of the Guinean government and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provided essentials like food, protection, and shelter. “The government, the community, and the NGOs came together to help us,” she recounted.

With her ability to speak English, Sesay volunteered with NGOs, participating in health education, hygiene campaigns, and distributing food. “At times, there was no power, and we had to use flashlights to continue serving the children safely,” she explained. Her dedication did not go unnoticed as she received training through the International Rescue Committee and worked with CARE International on several projects aimed at helping refugees.

After a violent incident forced her to relocate to Guinea-Conakry, she was eventually resettled in Norway in 2003. Although grateful for her safety and the stability of having a roof over her head, she faced difficulties adapting to Norwegian society and initially struggled to pursue her educational ambitions.

A decade later, she moved to the UK to study for a diploma at Manchester College. After several years working as a carer, she finally embarked on a three-year public health course at the University of Manchester in 2023.

Her lecturer, Sam Aston, praised her resilience, describing her journey as a testament to determination and passion for public health. “We are immensely proud of her achievement and excited to see the difference she will make in improving health for vulnerable communities,” Aston noted.

Graduating was not just an academic achievement for Sesay, but a symbol of her perseverance. “I would say always think that you can still make it in life, once you follow your dreams and work hard,” she encouraged others, hoping that her experiences serve as inspiration for those facing similar challenges. “As a refugee, I didn’t know I could do this. My journey has taken me from fleeing a civil war to graduating from The University of Manchester.”