COVID19 has hit families especially hard, taking away critical education and childcare supports. In this episode, we meet GEM students who are balancing full-time studies with full-time parenting - and are finding a way to make it work, even during a global pandemic. Join us as we talk to students in Lebanon, Rwanda, and South Africa about challenges and strategies for parenting in quarantine. With special guest, Zeina Awaydate from Lebanese Association for Scientific Research (LASeR), a nonprofit in Lebanon focused on expanding higher education opportunities for refugee and Lebanese students, especially women and girls.

COVID19 has led to a massive experiment in remote work for many employers. Looking ahead in a post-pandemic world, experts predict companies may shift to remote work models permanently. Much has been written on the challenges remote work presents for employees and employers; however this shift may also be an important opportunity for refugees and other marginalized groups. With special guest Shipra Kayan, Executive Director of SiriForce, a new digital work agency connecting refugees to digital jobs.

Many university students around the world are studying in a language that is not their first. Learning a new language takes years of dedication and continuous practice, especially through conversation. In this episode, GEM students in Kenya, Lebanon, and Rwanda tell us about their strategies for practicing their English skills, even while social distancing. They also share tips and advice for other learners to how to improve their language skills. With special guest Emily Boersma, a professor of TEFL Linguistics.

The COVID19 pandemic will have a lasting impact on healthcare systems in countries around the world. In this episode, we meet GEM students from Lebanon and Rwanda studying for their degrees in healthcare management, who tell us how they are preparing to transform the healthcare sector through their careers. We also meet a student in South Africa, who is on the frontlines responding to the current COVID19 crisis in his communities. With special guest, Dan Gwinnell, a public health expert and former CEO of Kepler, a nonprofit higher education program in Rwanda.

The negative impact of COVID19 on well-being and mental health has been resounding. In this episode, we hear from mental health practitioners and counsellors who are supporting GEM students and those close to them as everyone struggles to come to terms with a global pandemic. Speaking from Malawi, Lebanon, and Rwanda, our guests this week share insights into how people in different places are coping, offering advice and comfort to those listening - no matter where you are in the world. With special guest, Jemma Hogwood, from Solidminds, a nonprofit providing therapy and counseling services in Rwanda.

In our first special COVID-19 episode, we meet GEM students from Lebanon, Rwanda, and South Africa - who are all still studying online from lockdown. They share tips for productivity and advice for those stuck inside all over the world, whether in a crowded apartment or a busy refugee camp. With special guest, Mishka Reddy, from the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town, a nonprofit offering specialized services to refugee, migrants, and South Africans.