TIES Kenya University Scholarships Project

Challenge

In Kenya, education is in theory free, but at every level significant fees must be paid by students' families. Many families cannot afford to send all their kids to school. Education is often preferentially given to boys rather than girls. At the university level the fees are higher, the government funding program is effectively bankrupt, and girls face early marriage. TIES scholarships go to young women with the academic record for university admission but who face extreme financial hardship.

Solution

This project will fund three additional young women in Kenya for a four-year university degree. Without the TIES scholarships these women would be completely unable to afford university education due to their family's financial situation.

Long-Term Impact

It is well documented that education is a driver for economic and societal advancement in any country. Advances are even greater in developing countries (where all TIES projects are carried out). And by supporting women's education there are additional benefits. Educated women get married later, have (on average) smaller families, and are far more likely to send their kids (both boys and girls!) to school. Young women with an education also have family incomes that are higher than average.

Resources

• https:/​/​ties.charity
• Front page story about Emma, TIES beneficiary.
• Post about Sharon, TIES scholarship recipient.
• Story on TIES Kenya representative, Sarah Wanjiru.
• The launch of the TIES Kenya scholarships project.