TECNO, a leading technology brand, has renewed its partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to continue supporting primary education for refugee children in Kenya. This collaboration, which began in 2020, has already made a significant impact, benefiting over 17,000 refugee children and 40 students through the UNHCR’s DAFI scholarship program. As TECNO and UNHCR look towards 2024, their joint efforts are expected to further bolster educational opportunities for thousands more refugee children.
A Growing Need for Educational Support
Kenya is home to approximately 774,370 refugees and asylum seekers as of May 2024, making it the fifth-largest refugee-hosting country in Africa. Among these are over 217,000 school-aged children living in refugee camps and settlements, such as Dadaab and Kakuma. While gross enrollment rates are high, net enrollment stands at just 53%, highlighting the significant challenges that remain in providing consistent and quality education to all refugee children.
UNHCR has set an ambitious goal to enroll over 55,000 out-of-school children into primary education within Dadaab and Kakuma over the next four years. The renewed partnership with TECNO is poised to play a crucial role in achieving this target, aiming to reach more than 7,000 children among the 11,500 new refugee students expected to enroll in 2024.
Enhancing Educational Outcomes Through Comprehensive Support
TECNO’s continued financial contributions will support a range of initiatives designed to improve educational outcomes for refugee children. These include the provision of essential scholastic materials, hygiene kits for girls, and critical infrastructure development. Additionally, resources will be allocated to enhance teacher support, ensuring that educators have the tools and training needed to provide quality instruction in challenging environments.
The renewal of this partnership underscores TECNO’s commitment to making a meaningful impact in local communities across Africa. Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO, emphasized the company’s dedication: “TECNO is committed to supporting local communities in Africa through impactful initiatives. By renewing our partnership with UNHCR, we aim to further enhance educational conditions for refugee children. We believe that education is crucial for transforming the lives of refugee children and laying the groundwork for a better future. Investing in primary education today is an investment in a sustainable tomorrow.”
A Shared Vision for Inclusive and Quality Education
The collaboration between TECNO and UNHCR aligns with the broader goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. By focusing on primary education, this partnership addresses the unique challenges faced by refugee children, offering them a pathway to realize their potential and secure a brighter future.
UNHCR’s primary education programs are tailored to meet the needs of refugee children in each host country, with a commitment to continuous improvement. Adriani Wahjanto, UNHCR Deputy Representative in China, praised the extended partnership: “UNHCR values the continued support from TECNO, which is essential for bridging gaps in education and creating opportunities for refugee children. We hope this renewed partnership will inspire more private sector entities to contribute not just funding, but also expertise and networks, to build a brighter future for those forced to flee.”
Looking Forward: A Call to Action
As TECNO and UNHCR renew their commitment, the partnership serves as a powerful example of how private sector involvement can make a tangible difference in humanitarian efforts. By leveraging resources, expertise, and networks, TECNO and UNHCR are working to create safe, engaging, and effective learning environments for refugee children, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
This partnership not only highlights the importance of education in refugee contexts but also calls on other organizations to step forward and support similar initiatives. Together, TECNO and UNHCR are paving the way for a brighter future for refugee children in Kenya and beyond, demonstrating the profound impact that collaboration can have in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
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