Dedicated Teacher on the Ground

Since their founding, Elimisha Kakuma students have been taught, mentored and guided by their refugee-co-founders, who were college students themselves when they founded the program and now live and work across the U.S. However, time zone differences and technology challenges highlighted the need for on-the-ground support. In mid-2024, Elimisha Kakuma hired Anika, a teacher and counselor based in Kenya, to provide in-person instruction, college counseling, and mentorship—a decision that has significantly transformed Elimisha Kakuma’s impact.

Anika’s presence has accelerated university acceptances, with 14 out of 17 students securing early decision offers for 2025—the highest record yet. She has also strengthened relationships with universities, encouraging them to visit the camp and engage directly with students. Beyond admissions, she has built trust with families, providing essential cultural context for college applications and ensuring students’ realities are accurately represented.