Sponsoring young people in Further Education? Why is it so important?
In Kenya, at the end of secondary 4 (year 11) young people take exams and are given a grade. That grade determines what they can then do. Options are:
- University – very expensive. both academic and vocational courses. If a young person has a high grade they can access loans and grants from a government online “portal”. But those with lower grades get no financial help.
- Private Colleges and Vocational Courses – very expensive! Often tricky – as they often offer “pay as you go” courses, but the moment a student misses a payment the whole course is cancelled. They either have to quit or start again with no refund.
All very difficult for very poor young people. Particularly those whose grade is not high! But they need the skills and/or qualification to make a living. Leaving them high and dry is not good enough!
So… what does Grassroots do for the young people who have been sponsored up to the end of secondary school?
First thing to say … all this depends on the generous support of those who sponsor or give! Without that nothing happens.
Assuming a young person’s sponsor continues, Grassroots can help the young person. There’s three options.
- University – for those who have high grades (bright, talented kids!) and have got a government loan, Grassroots will try to help financially, either paying for fees or providing other things needed – like living costs, transport costs or needed equipment.
- Private Colleges – Grassroots will only help financially if the student already has all the other money needed to do the whole of the next year.
- Apprenticeships !! Take a look at this video!
To sponsor a young person in Further Education (FE) like Rayan, Leah, Anthony, Kezia or Geoffrey go to Sponsor a Child Today – Grassroots and select “Kenya – Good Neighbours Secondary or FE”… or/and drop us a line with your questions Contact – Grassroots