The PIE is proud to announce our partnership with Elimisha Kakuma Charity. Together, we're working to bring positive change to the lives of those in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.

Elimisha Kakuma aims to open doors to higher education for high school graduates residing in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. Their program offers comprehensive academic training, exam readiness, mentorship from current college students, and support throughout the college application journey. By expanding access to higher education, Kakuma aspires to enhance the long-term life prospects of refugees and strengthen their communities.

Founded in 1992, Kenya's Kakuma Refugee Camp initially provided shelter for the "Lost Boys of Sudan," escaping the ravages of civil war. What was intended as a temporary haven has evolved into a lasting home for over 160,000 refugees. In Kakuma, education serves as a means for children to escape challenging circumstances. Crucially, a quality education not only offers an escape but also paves a path to opportunities for both children and their families. Nevertheless, as students mature, the prospect of accessing higher education becomes increasingly elusive.

"WHY I FIGHT FOR THE EDUCATION OF REFUGEE GIRLS (LIKE ME)"

Co-founder Mary, a former South Sudanese refugee, has been collaborating with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, since 2018. Having sought refuge in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya as a child, she found solace and optimism through education. Today, Mary is a dedicated teacher in her community, viewing education as a vital tool for rebuilding lives and empowering a generation of girls too often denied access to classrooms. Currently, she is pursuing Theater through a scholarship at St. Olaf College in the United States.

In 2018, Mary delivered a compelling talk at TEDxKakumaCamp titled "Why I fight for the education of refugee girls (like me)." Since then, she has passionately advocated for refugees on global platforms, including Sky News and ABC News, collaborating with UNHCR. Mary has spoken at prestigious international events such as Global GoalsCast and the Girl Up Summit, supporting the launch of UNHCR's annual Education Report. Through social media films and briefings, she highlights the importance of education, sharing her personal journey to showcase the resilience, talents, and aspirations of forcibly displaced individuals actively contributing to addressing the global refugee crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Co-founder Diing graduated with a degree in Systems Engineering and a minor in Economics from The George Washington University. She’s currently working as a Technology Analyst at Morgan Stanley.

Dudi is in his last semester at Harvard University, majoring in History and Science. He grew up in Kakuma where he studied and taught in primary and secondary school.

Deirdre is an educator with a Master's in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction, with a concentration in TESOL. Deirdre has more than 14 years of experience teaching English across five continents.

NURTURING A GENERATION OF GLOBALLY EDUCATED REFUGEES

For more information about the incredible work they do, check out their website:

https://www.elimishakakuma.org/

Follow them on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/elimisha_kakuma/

https://twitter.com/ElimishaKakuma

https://www.linkedin.com/company/elimisha-kakuma/

https://www.facebook.com/elimishakakuma/