Kakuma Refugee Scholarships
The UN reports that only 23% of refugee adolescents go to school. This is not because they don't want to go to school. The primary barrier is cost (e.g. school fees, uniforms, books, transportation, etc.). The need is greatest among refugee girls. In Kenya, there are only 4 refugee girls enrolled in secondary school for every 10 refugee boys. [See http://www.unhcr.org/herturn/ for more related information] In response to this need, we launched a scholarship program in 2018 to sponsor displaced girls in Kakuma (Kenya) through high school. We do this in partnership with Windle International Kenya (www.windle.org), a NGO based in Kenya that specializes in refugee education. National Presbyterian Church (Washington, D.C.) provided funding for the first five girls in Kakuma, Kenya. More financial partners have since joined in this life changing program.
The Opportunity
We encourage you, your church or small group to consider changing the life of a girl in Kakuma through a secondary school scholarship of $12,100. Donations can be made online or visit the Donate page for other ways to give.
The Goal
The cost of sponsoring 1 refugee through four years of secondary boarding school in Kenya is $12,100*. This includes tuition, travel, medical, books, travel, uniforms, allowance and monitoring. The need for scholarships is great and we are committed to sponsoring refugee girls through high school as we are able. *The cost of a scholarship is subject to change pending on actual exchange rates (US dollar to Kenya Shilling).
The Strategy
We are partnering with Windle International Kenya (www.windle.org), an NGO with an office in Kakuma as they have significant experience and systems in place to facilitate the refugee scholarship program.
The Progress
IAFR financial partners made it possible for the first 5 girls to complete their high school education in December 2022 (in spite of the many challenges presented by the Covid pandemic)! Three of the girls graduated with grades qualifying them for university if they find a way to cover the costs. One of the graduates was awarded a scholarship to a university in Canada in 2023. Another is waiting to hear if she too will receive a similar scholarship. All five girls have been given a gift that will forever change their lives by opening up new opportunities for them and their families! IAFR financial partners (and a strong US dollar) made it possible for us to provide three new scholarships in January 2023. May God bless the class of 2026!
