The Issue

Research shows that sub-Saharan Africa has one of highest rates of education exclusion, with over half of the youth population aged around 15 to 17 years not in school. A significant part of the reason is the financial burden that can incur on young people and their families which prevents young people from pursuing their education.

The Approach

The Marakwet Education project looks to address these challenges that many young people face in Kenya when transitioning from primary to secondary and secondary to higher education.

The SHM Foundation provide scholarships every year for a number of students in Kenya to enable them to study a range of qualifications from Business Management, Public Policy and Administration to Community Development and Social Work.

The Outcome

We have seen some very positive outcomes for students that have received support from the Marakwet Education project for the individual as well as for their families and their communities.

Here is what some of our students have had to say:

‘It has enabled me to feel that I have a future by becoming self-independent as I hope to be able to get a job when I graduate and to become financially independent.'

‘I want to get a good job so I can start my own company and have good future so I
can help those in need. In my village and other communities, many children face financial problems which prevent them from going to school. I want to help them so that they can have a bright future and I hope to employ some of them in my future company so we can improve living standards in our village.'

‘I’m so happy that the SHM Foundation works in the region where I was brought up. It was thanks to the SHM Foundation that I was able to study at the university, without having to worry about paying my fees. I was lucky to be one of the students supported by the Foundation. I graduated from Moi University, School of Arts and Social Sciences, with a degree in Sociology. Currently, I am volunteering at Kenya Red Cross Eldoret Branch- Northrift region. I am hoping that in the future I will be able to support the less fortunate ones in my region and help them just the way you helped me. I wish to help other people get a bright future. I have a lot of gratitude for all you’ve done for me and my heart is very thankful. Thank you for all the good work you’re doing.’