TECNO, a leading technology brand, has renewed its partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to further enhance educational opportunities for refugee children. This collaboration, which began in 2020, has already impacted over 17,000 refugee children and provided support to 40 students through the UNHCR’s DAFI scholarship program. It has also contributed to improving teacher support and school infrastructure.
Looking ahead to 2024, TECNO’s renewed support aims to benefit more than 7,000 children in Kenya among the 11,500 new refugee students expected to enroll. This initiative is intended to help these children achieve their potential and build a brighter future.
The 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. Although there are more than 217,000 children of school age within the camps, the net enrollment rate stands at just 53%, despite a high gross enrollment rate.
As of May 2024, Kenya hosts approximately 774,370 refugees and asylum seekers, making it the fifth-largest refugee-hosting country in Africa.
TECNO’s financial contributions for 2024 will enhance educational outcomes through the provision of scholastic materials, hygiene kits for girls, infrastructure development, and additional resources for students and teachers.
Adriani Wahjanto, UNHCR Deputy Representative in China, commended the renewed partnership: “UNHCR values the continued support from TECNO, which is crucial for bridging education gaps 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.”
Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO, underscored 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 improve educational conditions for refugee children. We believe that education is essential for transforming the lives of refugee children and laying the foundation 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, aligning with Goal 4 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNHCR’s primary education programs are designed to address 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.
