In Swahili Kakuma means “nowhere”, but for thousands of displaced refugees, the Kakuma Camp is the only place they can call home.
Established in 1992 following the arrival of the “Lost Boys of Sudan” who fled their war stricken nation, the camp has also become a home for numerous Ethiopian and Somali refugees.
Located in the north-western region of Kenya and surrounded by Uganda, South Sudan, and Lake Turkana; the camp is divided into four areas in conjunction with the Kalobeyei Settlement that consists of three villages.
Today, the camp hosts over 200,000 people, leading to significantly overcrowded living conditions. This high population density results in numerous challenges, including strained resources, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and clean water.
Accredited by first accounts of the camp’s residents there’s a pervasive sense of hopelessness among the youth.
UNHCR reports that these conditions contribute to 50% of school-age refugees being out of school, declining secondary school enrolment rates, limited access to post-secondary education and training, and a mere 3% of refugees attending university.
The youth also face barriers such as supply issues with educational materials, socio-economic factors, and cultural norms and traditions hinder school enrolment.
These barriers are more related to a lack of qualified teachers, according to recent data frpm Kakuma Refugee Camp, “85% of the teachers are refugees who work full-time despite having no formal education, let alone teaching certification.”
Charles Oosborn, the program’s learning mentor, emphasises that young people at Kakuma Camp view education as a powerful tool for accessing life-changing opportunities and gaining greater autonomy over their futures.
To address these issues the youth face, Brave Future has launched the Learning For Empowerment program.
The program offers opportunities to improve the youth’s future through:
High-Quality Education- Offering access to globally recognised high school and university programs on a digital platform.
Vocational Courses- Equipping individuals with digital literacy, English language, and vocational skills.
Innovative Learning Methods- Utilising flexible, self-paced learning platforms and establishing physical learning hubs with minimal setup requirements.
Support Systems- Providing coaching, counselling, and academic support through online subject through online subject experts and in-person mentors.
Meal Plan- Offering two meals a day per school day to ensure basic nutrition so that students can fully focus on their studies.
The program’s focus on providing world-class education and skills training, results in increased motivation and dedication among students.
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