Elimisha Kakuma
Beneficiary Organization Partner
Elimisha Kakuma—Swahili for “Educate Kakuma”—is a refugee-founded and led 501(c)(3) that creates pathways to higher education for youth in Kakuma Refugee Camp, home to over 300,000 displaced individuals. In Kakuma, education is more than learning—it is a lifeline, a path to dignity, and a chance to rewrite the future. Yet, for decades, fewer than 1% of refugees accessed tertiary education.
Since 2021, Elimisha Kakuma has challenged this reality, mobilizing over 40 volunteers to build a comprehensive 16-month program offering academic instruction, exam preparation, and college application guidance. But our work doesn’t stop at admissions—students receive mentorship, host family placements, and long-term support to ensure their success.
Aligned with UNHCR’s 15by30 Aim High campaign, we are proving what’s possible. Our students have secured more than $6.5 million in scholarships and placements at top universities across the U.S., Canada, England, Scotland, Kenya, Costa Rica, and the Czech Republic, generating $2.5 million in academic funding annually.
At Elimisha Kakuma, every university acceptance is more than a statistic—it is a life transformed, a future reclaimed, and a testament to the power of education as justice.
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Elimisha Kakuma's Mission
Nurturing a generation of globally educated refugees, committed to advancing themselves and their communities.
Our Partnership History
Troy Peden, Founder of the GoAbroad Foundation, first encountered Elimisha Kakuma at the 2024 PIE News conference, where Elimisha Kakuma’s co-founder, Mary Maker, was a keynote speaker. Troy was deeply impressed by the organization’s commitment to service and, after meeting with Mary, a meaningful connection was formed. The GoAbroad Foundation is thrilled to partner with such an impactful and inspiring organization!
Elimisha Kakuma Projects We Support
Dedicated Teacher on the Ground
Since its founding, Elimisha Kakuma has been guided by refugee co-founders, but the program’s growth has highlighted the need for dedicated on-the-ground support. To continue making a meaningful impact, we are seeking funds to hire a full-time teacher in Kenya who can provide in-person instruction and guidance.
Student Support to Succeed
Without financial support, many of the applicants face the difficult choice of either joining the Elimisha Kakuma access program or continuing to work to support their families. By raising funds for student stipends, we can ensure that no refugee student has to choose between education and survival. These stipends allow students to fully focus on their studies, alleviating financial strain on their families and covering essential expenses.