Not-for-profit education organizations work to provide education to vulnerable populations and improve overall access to learning. Key examples include UNICEF and UNESCO, which work globally on children’s rights and educational standards, and organizations like Room to Read and Malala Fund that focus on literacy and girls’ education. In Kenya, groups like the Aga Khan Foundation and Weiss Scholarship Foundation offer scholarships and support to children from low-income families to access education.
International and Global Organizations :
- UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund): A UN agency focused on children’s rights and well-being, including providing quality education in emergency situations and promoting early childhood development.
- UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization): A UN agency that sets educational standards, promotes lifelong learning, and uses education as a driver for sustainable development.
- Room to Read: An organization working to develop children’s literacy and life skills in a gender-equal way.
- Malala Fund: Supports education advocates working to overcome barriers preventing girls from attending school.
- Save the Children: An international organization focused on children’s rights, with a strong emphasis on education for vulnerable children.
- Plan International: An international organization focused on children’s rights and equality, with a particular focus on education for girls.
Organizations in Kenya
- Aga Khan Foundation: Has established schools for preschool and primary-level children and supports children from low-income families by providing uniforms and textbooks, and helping to supplement teachers’ salaries.
- Weiss Scholarship Foundation: A focused sponsorship model providing sustainable educational empowerment to children from low-income families.
- Kenya Education Network Trust (KENET): A not-for-profit membership operator that provides internet connectivity and ICT-based educational services to support research and education institutions in Kenya.
- Barista Mtaani – an initiative of Kenya Coffee School (KCS) which empowers the youth and women with coffee skills for jobs creation through coffee skills.
Types of Initiatives
- Girls’ Education: Organizations like the Malala Fund and Girl Rising use storytelling and advocacy to change societal views on girls’ education and ensure more girls attend school.
- Literacy and Life Skills: Room to Read focuses on developing literacy and essential life skills for children in low-resource communities.
- Access to Technology: Organizations like KENET provide essential internet connectivity and educational technology services to research and education institutions in Kenya.
- Sponsorship and Support: Foundations like the Weiss Scholarship Foundation and the Aga Khan Foundation provide direct financial aid to children for uniforms, textbooks, and other educational necessities.