Education is a basic human right. It fosters human development, and provides not only knowledge but hope that a brighter future is possible.
For communities affected by conflict, this is particularly important. For children and young people who are refugees and from the communities that host them, education is a means of protection against forced recruitment into armed groups, child labour, sexual exploitation and child marriage. It strengthens community resilience, and empowers communities affected by conflict by giving them the knowledge and skills to live productive, fulfilling and independent lives. However, the reality is that for many, the quality of education they receive is woefully inadequate.
Every year Windle International helps over a million refugees and people affected by conflict to access quality education. Windle is an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) with over forty years of experience, with member country offices based in and operating across Eastern Africa, the UK, the US and Canada.
Providing education in refugee camps and settlements in Eastern Africa can be challenging. Windle’s experience is that whilst there is a huge commitment from stakeholders to deliver quality education, issues such as overcrowding, lack of resources and, crucially, a lack of trained teachers are very real issues that desperately need addressing. Some areas are particularly vulnerable to militant groups and ongoing conflict. While these challenges have always been present, the current global Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated them.
Windle International continues to empower refugees and people affected by conflict and marginalisation to achieve their academic potential, and contribute to sustainable development, by acting as a lead provider of quality education and training. From managing primary schools to providing higher education scholarships and offering vocational training, Windle helps people to succeed at every educational level.
Since May, inHive has been working with Windle International to understand their vast alumni ecosystem for their higher education scholars. The project explores what a thriving, inter-connected Windle alumni network might look like, and is guided by Windle staff (past and present), alumni, and current students from across Windle’s programmes.
Katherine Darling, Communications and Advocacy Officer for Windle International, said:
“This project to better understand and connect those who have received support from Windle to pursue higher education is hugely significant for Windle. We already have thriving networks in some countries, and very well-connected individuals across the globe; what we are interested in, is how we can collaborate across the whole of Windle to respond to the needs of our alumni, and to make sure that we continue to serve them. Our founder, Hugh Pilkington, believed passionately that the individuals supported by Windle were part of the wider family. inhive really understand this, and their approach aligns perfectly with our own values.”
