This project expands access to Amala’s Global Secondary Diploma (GSD) to 50 out-of-school young refugees, aged 16-25, in Kalobeyei, Kenya, while piloting a new social franchising approach for scaling. Partnering with a local refugee-led organisation, Ki4Bli, Amala will train local educators to deliver their internationally accredited GSD programme. This is the first internationally accredited upper secondary programme specifically designed for refugee young people who have been out of formal education.

Amala is dedicated to providing transformative post-primary education for refugee and conflict-affected young people, enabling them to transform their lives, communities, and the world. Kakuma Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement in northwestern Kenya host over 250,000 refugees, many of whom are young people. The conditions in the camp are challenging and poverty is widespread, with 68% of the population living on less than $2 per day. The educational needs of young refugees in Kakuma and Kalobeyei are immense and urgent, with secondary enrollment at just 12%.

The participant group will reflect the diverse demographics of the settlement, including young people from Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Congo, and the local host community. The project will take place over 18 months and students will engage in 1,100 hours of learning. By the end of the programme 80% of students will be awarded the Diploma and one year on it is expected that alumni will be engaged in multiple pathways including further education or training, setting up social impact initiatives and accessing work, traineeships or internships.

Throughout the project, Amala will collaborate with Ki4Bli to test and refine the social franchising model; enhancing their ability to run the programme and focussing on educational and operational excellence. The initiative not only transforms lives through increased access to higher education and employment but also establishes a framework for future expansion.