Education

Pre-primary, primary and secondary education are available in the Dadaab refugee camps.  There are also limited opportunities for adult literacy, special education, accelerated learning, vocational and technical training and university education.

The education system and curriculum used in the Dadaab refugee camps are for the host country, Kenya.  Refugees enrolled in primary and secondary school have access to the Kenyan national examinations.

Why is education important to refugees?

Education is a fundamental human right.  It is a powerful agent of change, and improves health and livelihoods, contributes to social stability and drives long-term economic growth.

Education also protects. When children are in school, they are less vulnerable to sexual exploitation and abuse, child labour and recruitment in criminal and militia groups.  Educated individuals are more likely to make positive choices regarding their household’s health and nutrition.  They are also more likely to contribute to their households and communities, both during displacement, on return home, or after resettlement to third country.

When is the right time to enroll in school?

In Kenya, formal education begins at 4 years old.  Children who are entering at a higher grade, may be asked to provide school reports or certificates from their previous school.  If you do not have your certificates, you may be able to set for an equivalency text.  Please contact your nearest school for more information.

Post-secondary education opportunities are available at the vocational, and university levels at the cost of the individual student or on scholarship.

Where can one find a school in Dadaab?

There are a total of 22 pre-schoold, 22 primary schools, 6 secondary schools, 5 primary accelerated learning centers, 9 Alternative Basic Education (ABE) centers, and 6 voca­tional learning centers (TVET) in Dadaab refugee camps (Hagadera, Ifo and Dagahaley).

All interested refugee learners need to physically go to the nearest school, and he/she will be assessed, issued with basic education kits and enrolled to learn.

Education Technology

What is the Instant Network Schools (INS)?

Designed by Vodafone Foundation and UNHCR to address local needs, Instant Network Schools is an integrated platform with Internet connectivity, solar power infrastructure (and back-up generator), digital educational resources to support learners and teachers with the incorporation of new technology in their studies and access to online/offline resources including Kenya Education Cloud, and tailored educational content (library of e-books and interactive content available on demand).

Additionally, the INS program includes a series of extra-curricular activities such as ICT Girls Boot Camp, Project FUN, after-school support, reading clubs, and other activities. The INS program is ensuring that refugees and children from the communities that host them have access to accredited, quality, and relevant learning opportunities. At the heart of the program is an in-house solution called “Instant Classroom” which consists of a turnkey plug-and-play solution in one box to set up connected and digital classrooms in minutes. The box includes: 1 laptop, 25 tablets, charging ports, 1 video projector, 1 audio speaker, Internet link, an educational content server, and apps.

How is the Instant Network Schools program managed in the field?

The INS program is managed by UNHCR Program Managers/IT who provide daily technical support on-site and remotely and in liaison with the other stakeholders. School communities, private partners (including Vodafone Foundation and Safaricom) as well as UNHCR and education partners provides the necessary support for sustainability and future expansion. Coaches and teachers across the schools work closely with the program managers and education officers to ensure that the program is helping both the learners and teachers in line with the curriculum objectives.

Instant Network Schools program is managed alongside other educational technologies thus creating a community of practice. UNHCR Program Managers are based in the field (camps) and they provide both regular and on-demand capacity building training and engagements with the refugees and host community for feedback and program improvements. The centers are open for all when the school is not in session. The school administration reserves the right of admission and will always give clear reasons when access is denied (e.g., batteries charging, internet outage, etc.)

How are devices and infrastructure secured?

While INS centers have security features and Standard Operating Procedures for access and usage, the security of the devices and supporting infrastructure (power and connectivity) is mainly provided by the school community (students, parents, and teachers) as a collective responsibility.

How to report technical and other incidents?

You can report technical and other incidents to the INS coach, school headteacher/principal or deputy who will then report to the education officers or directly to the Program Manager. A digital reporting tool managed by the Program Manager is available and already in use by the INS coaches for real-time reporting and data collection.


See also

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