Jangala's Reflections on World Refugee Day 2024

On World Refugee Day, we are reminded of our commitment as we continue to support a diverse range of refugees around the world with our accessible technology through organisations such as Migrant Help and Na’amal. A growing number of people find themselves displaced, without access to the internet and the benefits it brings in life.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for (UNHCR), "This year and last have seen historically high levels of forced displacement worldwide."  In a 2024 flagship Global Trends Report, published on 12th June in Geneva, it was revealed that forced displacement had risen to 120 million in May 2024, marking the 12th consecutive annual increase, driven by both the severity and persistence of global crises, and the emergence of new conflicts.

One of the people who has benefited from free Wi-Fi provided by our Get Box product powered with O2 data is a journalist from Cameroon who arrived in the UK in 2021. We can’t share his identity, but now living in Glasgow in a temporary accommodation with no Wi-Fi access. He has been working hard on learning English through online courses. While he has made significant progress, affording data is a big issue.

“Sometimes I get a six-month SIM card, and the data runs out quickly [...] I’ve been struggling with the internet in my studies.”

With the support of Na’amal, we provided the journalist with a Get Box — our user-friendly and reliable internet connectivity device that was designed to tackle digital exclusion in the United Kingdom. For individuals like the people we support, connectivity can be a lifeline. It is not a luxury only available to those fortunate enough to be able to afford it.

“Get Box made me reconnect with listening to online news, which I really missed. But above all, it allows me to follow my classes and do my homework online. It’s very useful for research and communication with my children whom I have not seen since.”

On this World Refugee Day, we’re reminded that every connection we facilitate with the support of our partners helps displaced individuals rebuild their lives as they try to find a new place to call home. 

*Names have not been mentioned to protect identities.