Kakuma – The Elimu Scholarship program, aimed at supporting the education of refugees in Kenya, has been hailed for its significant impact.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Assistant County Commissioner of Kakuma, Turkana West, the program is a testament to Kenya’s inclusive education policies, which uphold education as a fundamental human right for all within its borders. The program has drawn attention from refugees in other countries due to the exceptional support provided, particularly in the education sector.
The scholarship program, tailored to refugees, offers lower cutoff points for eligibility – 250 marks for boys and 240 for girls, with even lower thresholds for those with disabilities and special needs. Of the 7,000 applicants from Kakuma and 4,000 from Kalobeyei, selections will be made based on age and academic performance. Nyachwae highlighted that refugees often face challenges in accessing information about scholarships, leading to misunderstandings and the need for expanded outreach and increased slots in the program.
The Community Selection and Advisory Committee (CSAC) plays a crucial role in the selection process by conducting home visits to assess candidates’ economic status and verify their living conditions. Block leaders at refugee camps assist in ensuring the accuracy of these assessments. The program particularly prioritizes the education of girls, acknowledging the challenges they face due to cultural backgrounds that often devalue girls’ education.
The CSAC chair explained that the committee aims to achieve gender equality by allocating 2,000 scholarships each to girls and boys, with affirmative action applied to ensure parity. The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) and Equity Group have allocated specific quotas for girls and boys as part of this effort.
Interest in education among refugees was observed to be lower compared to Kenyan nationals, pointing to different levels of competitiveness and participation in the scholarship program. The reluctance of refugees to engage actively in the application process contrasts with the proactive approach of Kenyan nationals. The CSAC chair urged refugees to prioritize education for their children, assuring government support.
The CSAC, a multi-agency body involving the National Government and partners, reported a higher-than-expected turnout at Turkana University for interview exercises, with 7,000 students participating on the second day. Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps host individuals from 24 nationalities, including large numbers of South Sudanese, Somalis, Burundians, Congolese, and Ethiopians. Despite language barriers during interviews, with most parents speaking their native languages, children often stepped in to assist with translations, ensuring effective communication.
