TECNO and UNHCR's collaboration demonstrates a dedication to not only education but also to the long-term well-being and the generous efforts of Kenya to include forcibly displaced individuals in educational opportunities.

TECNO, a prominent technology brand known for its innovation, is pleased to announce the continuation of its partnership with UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, aimed at enhancing UNHCR’s global primary education initiative.

Initially formed in 2020, this partnership focuses on delivering high-quality, protective education to African refugee children and youth. Over the last four years, the collaboration has successfully reached 17,370 refugee children and supported 40 DAFI scholars, in addition to aiding teachers and improving school facilities.

With an anticipated enrollment of 11,500 new refugee students in 2024, TECNO's involvement in the primary education program is set to benefit more than 7,000 children in Kenya, empowering them to realize their full potential as they transition into adulthood.

In partnership with organizations like TECNO, UNHCR aims to enroll over 55,000 out-of-school children in primary education within the Dadaab and Kakuma camps over the next four years.

As of May 2024, Kenya hosts 774,370 refugees and asylum-seekers, making it the fifth largest refugee-hosting nation in Africa. The refugee camps of Dadaab and Kakuma, along with the Kalobeyei Settlement Center, accommodate over 217,000 school-aged refugee children. Despite a high gross enrollment rate, the net enrollment for school-aged children stands at only 53%.

Bichar Michael, a 15-year-old Sudanese refugee and grade eight student at Horseed Primary School. @UNHCR/Eric Bakuli
TECNO's financial contributions in 2024 are already enhancing UNHCR's initiatives to improve educational outcomes for refugee children in Kenya. This support includes the provision of educational materials for students, hygiene kits for girls, construction of infrastructure, and resources for teachers and school programs.

Adriani Wahjanto, UNHCR Deputy Representative in China, hailed support from TECNO: "UNHCR welcomes the renewal of our long-term partnership with TECNO, whose sustained support is crucial in bridging gaps in access to quality education and creating opportunities for refugee children. We hope this extended partnership will inspire more private sector actors to contribute not only funding but also expertise, as well as use their networks and influence, to help build a brighter future for people forced to flee. 

Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO, said:“TECNO is dedicated to giving back to local communities in Africa through practical initiatives. With our renewed partnership with UNHCR, we aim to continue supporting the improvement of learning conditions for African refugee children . We believe that education is the key to changing the destiny of refugee children and serves as the foundation for rebuilding their lives. Investing in primary education now will support a sustainable future and brighter tomorrow."

Inclusive and equitable quality education is a cornerstone of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically Goal 4, and remains a long-term objective of UNHCR. The organization’s primary education programming is customized to each country operation around four main objectives and employs location-specific strategies to effectively address the needs of refugee children. The planning and implementation of these initiatives are continuously enhanced drawing on insights from past interventions, to create safe, and stimulating learning environments that reduces the risk of seeing children leave school.

TECNO and UNHCR's partnership exemplifies a commitment to not only education but also to the long-term well-being and the generous efforts of Kenya to include forcibly displaced in education opportunities.