Call for Applications: Refugee-Led Organizations for Higher Education Access (Kenya)

The World University Service of Canada (WUSC) is inviting applications from refugee-led organisations (RLOs) in Kenya to support refugee and displaced young people in accessing higher education through the University Now initiative under the DREEM 2030 project. Selected organisations will receive funding, technical support, and capacity-building assistance to develop community-based education pathways, application support services, and sustainable refugee-led higher education inclusion models.

About the University Now Initiative

The University Now initiative is part of the DREEM 2030 project, implemented by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) to improve access to higher education for refugee and displaced youth in Kenya.

The initiative focuses on creating a refugee-led pathway that helps talented young people access universities, scholarships, and higher education opportunities through:

• Community outreach.
• Peer-to-peer advising.
• Application support.
• Information sharing.
• Partnerships with universities and education stakeholders.

The programme builds on the successful University Now pilot implemented in Kenya and aims to expand support through partnerships with urban-based refugee-led organisations.

Purpose of the Programme

The initiative aims to strengthen refugee inclusion in higher education by:

• Increasing access to university opportunities.
• Supporting refugee and displaced youth aged 18–35.
• Strengthening refugee-led organisations.
• Creating sustainable education support systems.
• Improving access for women and persons with disabilities.

By 2030, the programme aims to support 2,000 refugee and displaced young people to access higher education opportunities.

The initiative targets:

• At least 70% young women participation.
• Inclusive participation of persons with disabilities.

Key Focus Areas

Higher Education Access for Refugee Youth

The programme supports activities that help young refugees and displaced youth:

• Identify higher education opportunities.
• Understand admission requirements.
• Apply for scholarships and university programmes.
• Receive guidance throughout the application process.

Peer-to-Peer Advising

Selected organisations will establish peer support systems where trained advisors help young people with:

• Education guidance.
• Application processes.
• Scholarship information.
• University preparation.

Outreach and Information Sharing

Refugee-led organisations will conduct outreach activities in:

• Urban refugee communities.
• Refugee settlements.
• Marginalised communities.

Activities include:

• Sharing higher education information.
• Increasing awareness of opportunities.
• Reaching underserved youth.

Application Support Hubs

Selected organisations will establish support hubs that provide:

• Internet access.
• Application assistance.
• Digital support.
• Guidance on education opportunities.

These hubs will help reduce barriers faced by refugee youth during university applications.

Organisational Capacity Building

The programme supports refugee-led organisations through:

• Technical assistance.
• Mentoring.
• Leadership development.
• Peer learning.
• Financial sustainability planning.

Organisations will strengthen their ability to manage programmes and collaborate with partners.

Partnership Development

Participating organisations will develop partnerships with:

• Universities.
• Schools.
• UNHCR.
• Education stakeholders.
• Community organisations.

The goal is to create a strong refugee-led higher education support network.

Inclusion and Equality Priorities

The programme promotes:

• Gender equality.
• Disability inclusion.
• Digital accessibility.
• Refugee participation.
• Ethical and inclusive programming.

Special focus is given to reaching:

• Young women.
• Single mothers.
• Persons with disabilities.
• Other marginalised refugee groups.

Funding Support

Selected refugee-led organisations may receive:

• Funding up to USD 40,000 per organisation.
• Partnership duration: Minimum two years.
• Expected start date: September 2026.

Funding can support activities related to:

• Outreach programmes.
• Application support services.
• Peer advising.
• Organisational development.
• Monitoring and evaluation.
• Partnership activities.

Who Is Eligible?

Applications are open to:

• Refugee-led organisations (RLOs) based in Kenya.

Eligible organisations must meet the following requirements:

• Legally registered as a refugee-led organisation.
• Operating in Kenya for at least three years.
• Serving refugee and displaced youth aged 18–35.
• Having accessible physical spaces.
• Experience managing donor-funded projects.
• Strong community networks.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders.

Priority Organisations

WUSC particularly encourages applications from:

• Women-led refugee organisations.
• Youth-led refugee organisations.
• Disability-led refugee organisations.

Required Organisational Capacity

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience delivering community programmes.
• Financial management capacity.
• Monitoring and reporting systems.
• Commitment to safeguarding and ethical practices.
• Ability to support inclusive education access.

How the Initiative Works

Selected organisations will participate in several activities:

Step 1: Community Outreach

Organisations will identify refugee and displaced youth who need higher education support.

Activities include:

• Awareness campaigns.
• Information sessions.
• Community engagement.

Step 2: Establish Education Support Services

Organisations will create support systems including:

• Application assistance centres.
• Peer advisor networks.
• Digital access support.

Step 3: Provide Guidance to Students

Support will include:

• University application guidance.
• Scholarship information.
• Education planning.
• Follow-up support.

Step 4: Strengthen Partnerships

Organisations will collaborate with:

• Universities.
• Government stakeholders.
• International organisations.
• Community networks.

Step 5: Monitor Progress

Participating organisations must:

• Track beneficiaries.
• Maintain activity records.
• Submit financial reports.
• Measure programme outcomes.

Application Process

Applicants should prepare:

• Organisation profile.
• Legal registration documents.
• Evidence of previous project experience.
• Details of community networks.
• Proposed programme approach.
• Budget plan.
• Partnership information.

Organisations should demonstrate how they will:

• Expand higher education access.
• Reach marginalised youth.
• Support inclusive participation.
• Maintain long-term sustainability.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Refugee and displaced youth often face barriers to higher education, including:

• Limited information.
• Financial challenges.
• Lack of digital access.
• Complex application processes.
• Limited institutional support.

The University Now initiative addresses these challenges by creating community-based education support systems led by refugee organisations themselves.

The programme strengthens:

• Youth leadership.
• Education equality.
• Community resilience.
• Refugee inclusion.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain their experience working with refugee communities.
• Highlight previous education or youth programmes.
• Demonstrate strong community connections.
• Explain how women and persons with disabilities will be included.
• Provide a realistic sustainability plan.
• Show ability to manage funding responsibly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without legal registration.
• Failing to demonstrate refugee community involvement.
• Providing unclear beneficiary plans.
• Ignoring gender and disability inclusion.
• Submitting unrealistic budgets.
• Not explaining partnership strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the University Now initiative?

University Now is a WUSC initiative under the DREEM 2030 project that helps refugee and displaced youth access higher education opportunities through advising, outreach, and application support.

Who can apply for this funding?

Legally registered refugee-led organisations operating in Kenya can apply.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Each selected organisation can receive funding of up to USD 40,000.

How long will the partnership last?

The partnership will run for a minimum of two years starting from September 2026.

Who are the main beneficiaries?

The programme supports refugee and displaced young people aged 18–35, with priority given to young women and persons with disabilities.

What activities will selected organisations implement?

Activities include outreach, peer advising, application support hubs, partnership development, and organisational capacity building.

Why are refugee-led organisations preferred?

Refugee-led organisations have direct community knowledge and can design solutions that better respond to the needs of refugee youth.

Conclusion

The University Now initiative under the DREEM 2030 project provides an important opportunity for refugee-led organisations in Kenya to expand access to higher education for displaced youth. Through funding, technical support, and partnerships, the programme aims to build sustainable, inclusive education pathways that empower refugee communities and create long-term opportunities for young people.