TECNO, a leading technology brand, has renewed its partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to strengthen educational opportunities for refugee children in Kenya.
Originally launched in 2020, this collaboration has made significant strides, impacting over 17,000 refugee children and supporting 40 students through the UNHCR’s DAFI scholarship program. The initiative has also contributed to improved teacher support and enhanced school infrastructure.
Looking ahead to 2024, TECNO’s support aims to benefit more than 7,000 children among the 11,500 new refugee students expected to enroll. This initiative is designed to help these children realize their potential and secure a brighter future.
UNHCR plans to enroll over 55,000 out-of-school children into primary education within the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps over the next four years. While there are more than 217,000 children of school age in the camps, the net enrollment rate for school-aged children currently stands at just 53%.
As of May 2024, Kenya hosts approximately 774,370 refugees and asylum seekers, making it the fifth-largest refugee-hosting country in Africa.
For 2024, TECNO’s financial contributions will focus on enhancing educational outcomes through the provision of scholastic materials, hygiene kits for girls, infrastructure development, and additional resources for both students and teachers.
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. I’m 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.”
Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO, emphasized the company’s commitment: “TECNO is dedicated 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 lives and laying the groundwork for a better future. Investing in primary education today is an investment in a sustainable tomorrow.”
This partnership underscores the importance of inclusive and equitable quality education, a key component of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically Goal 4.
UNHCR’s primary education programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of refugee children in each country, with ongoing improvements based on past experiences to ensure safe and engaging learning environments.
The renewed collaboration between TECNO and UNHCR highlights a shared commitment to advancing education and supporting the long-term well-being of refugees in Kenya and beyond.
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