The Patatas – An Education Solutions Consultancy
Amid struggle, where hope seems like a distant dream, one person believed in himself — proving that a single initiative can start a chain of change and transform lives
We had the special opportunity to talk with Romeo Lomora, a South Sudanese refugee who has become an inspiring leader, helping to bring knowledge and education to his community. Now living in Uganda, Romeo is making a big difference through his initiative, Open Knowledge, in South Sudan. His story shows how strength and creativity can make real changes, even in tough times.
Community at the Core of Open Source
The journey into the world of open-source tools began not with the technology itself, but with a deep commitment to community and shared values. “It all started with us, not the tool,” Romeo reflects. The initial focus wasn’t on contributing to a specific platform but on creating a space where people could come together, connect, and share their passions. Romeo and his friends built an open, welcoming environment, filled with simple pleasures like volleyball games, guitar lessons, and storytelling sessions. “We introduced activities that brought joy and fostered connections—things that differed from the tech,” Romeo explains. This sense of community and shared experience made it easy for people to embrace the idea of contributing to an open-source tool. “When we finally mentioned the tool, everyone was already on board because they felt connected to the space we had created,” he says. The initial on fun and community transitioned to contributing to the tool has become smooth and natural, demonstrating that when people are engaged and happy, they are more likely to embrace new ideas and contribute meaningfully.
Platform Africa
A groundbreaking initiative pioneered by Romeo and his colleagues aims to empower refugees by providing them with the tools and opportunities to thrive beyond the limitations imposed by their circumstances. “Platform Africa started off just by the name “platform”. Basically, it aims to be a platform for refugees for them to either think, do, make, create—a space for them to go beyond the refugee bubble,” Romeo claims. Far from merely providing necessities, Platform Africa focuses on fostering education, access to information, and peace building — and to combat misinformation and promote digital literacy.
Besides addressing information literacy, Platform Africa prioritises education and skill development. They have established community libraries, implemented literacy programs, and offered intensive digital literacy courses. These initiatives empower refugees to gain knowledge and develop valuable skills, opening doors to new opportunities and self-sufficiency. Beginning with the digital literacy program, Romeo said, “The first thing we did is a very intensive digital literacy program; we had all these computer training programs we could do in shifts. We had morning and night shifts — the morning shift was basically for the young people who are available; and in the evening shift are working-class people that still had issues with learning how to use computer…” Realising that even the working-class people still had issues with learning on how to use the computer, specifically teachers who were having trouble searching for content. Beyond education and skills training, Platform Africa also fosters a culture of peace building and storytelling. By providing platforms for refugees to share their experiences and perspectives, the organisation helps to bridge, divides, and promote understanding.
Bridging Tradition and Innovation
Conclusion
Romeo’s Journey is a powerful reminder that refugees are far more that what people initially think of them — that they’re just in need of food and shelter. They are dreamers, thinkers, and leader with the potential to build a future. By initiating different projects, Romeo transformed his own experiences as a refugee into hope for his community, showing them the power of knowledge and collaboration. His story proves that even when faced with overwhelming obstacles, one person’s courage to act can inspire others to believe in change. Romeo didn’t wait for help; he used what he had — belief in himself; and that sparked a movement that now brings strength, hope, and opportunity to other people. His unwavering belief reminds us all that one person’s vision can change the world.
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