A Laptop, Internet Bundle, and Modem for Livelihood in Kakuma Refugee and Kalobeyei Settlement Camps

By Ebengo Honore

A program developed by the Advocacy Initiative for Youth Development, supported by GiveInternet.org, for refugee graduates.

Bridging the Digital Divide in Displacement through a Fit-for-Purpose Program

In the remote and challenging environment of Turkana West, the Kakuma Refugee and Kalobeyei Settlement Camp witnessed the launch of the Fit-for-Purpose Program in 2019 by the Advocacy Initiative for Youth Development, under the leadership of Ebengo Honore A, with financial backing from retired educator Dr. I. Winonkur. This marked the commencement of what is hoped to be a journey toward community development and youth empowerment. Both host tens of thousands of displaced persons from across East and Central Africa, representing more than 14 countries. Despite the daily struggles, a growing number of young people are pursuing skills, knowledge, and opportunities that could lead them toward a dignified life and self-reliance. At the core of this transformation lies the refugee-led organization known as the Advocacy Initiative for Youth Development (AIYD2). It is a prominent grassroots entity that provides digital and soft skills training aimed at livelihood enhancement for refugee youth in Kakuma and Kalobeyei. Through this tailored approach, the Advocacy Initiative for Youth Development has enabled thousands of young refugees to acquire in-demand, market-ready skills—including advanced computer skills, graphic design, solutions-oriented thinking, data entry, communication, and access to online learning platforms such as Coursera.

Adding Value and Personal and Professional Growth

Gaining skills stands as the first step. 

In the course of the program implementation, the organization realized that without fundamental tools such as laptops, internet access, and connectivity devices, trained graduates were, in most cases, unable to implement acquired skills. 

Different organizations supporting refugees were contacted but in vain, online fundraising was designed but remained unsuccessful, and community forums were activated but yielded zero results. 

A LinkedIn post talking about Give Initernet.org was shared by Dr. I. Winonkur with us, a quick email addressed to the organization, and finally, a Zoom meeting was set up. It was the beginning of our professional marriage with Give Internet.org. The first support of 5 laptops, an internet bundle for five graduates, and five modems were offered to our graduates. 

As a good wife in this professional marriage, we managed to satisfy both the supporter and the supported beneficiaries. 

This year, June 2025, we received another donation of 15 laptops, an internet bundle for 15 students, and 15 modems. With this generosity, graduates are transitioning from training to the earning stage, meeting one of the key objectives of the Fit-for-Purpose program: Earning from Skills. 

The program is now turning competencies into productivity. With a personal laptop, internet bundle, and modem, the graduate is no longer just a trained graduate, but both a trained and an equipped graduate to thrive.

FROM LEARNING TO DIGITAL LIVELIHOODS

The tools are carefully designed to eliminate the post-learning access gap that affects most of our graduates. 

The experience shows that after completing intensive training of 6 months to 1 year, many refugees remain digitally disconnected due to a lack of personal equipment. Public equipment is mostly occupied by the new learners. 

As a result, there is a loss of opportunities for personal and professional benefits, like jobs and learning. 

To solve this situation, in partnership with Give Internet.org, graduates are selected among others and receive: 

• A personal Laptop
• A high-speed modem device for reliable wireless internet access for six months
• Six months of cash to pay internet
• Ongoing mentorship at the center and job linkage support.
• They are also enrolled on Coursera to join Digital Marketing, UX design, Cybersecurity, and other courses of their choice.

This package is a step toward digital inclusion for youth who show promise, personal motivation, and commitment in their livelihoods through remote opportunities

Once he received his package, Kul said: “I used to walk long distances just to borrow a computer and get connected to Wi-Fi at the center”. Without minimizing the support given from the organization, sometimes, you will see refused access because other learners are inside using the same devices. Now I own my laptop, modem, and internet, and I can work from home, take online courses, and help others. I keep requesting the opportunity to be increased and reach out to others. Behind my struggles, many youths graduated with me and didn’t get this chance, He added.

Other Windows of Opportunities

  A laptop, modem, and internet support are among the other opportunities that Advocacy Initiative for Youth Development offers to refugees: 

• Free digital and soft skills training for refugee youth
• Access to the national exam from our partners, with the financial support of Gitanjali Rao
• Scholarship advocacy and referrals for refugee students in need
• Etc.

A MODEL FOR REFUGEE EMPOWERMENT: Skills without Tools, No Skills Implementation

This support is currently making a tangible impact in the community. Beneficiaries are not only applying for freelance jobs online and offline, but also starting to earn, learning new skills online for personal and professional growth.

Maisun Philip Angalo said:  I don’t know how to express my gratitude, but in all, the support has opened many opportunities for me and my community. After completing the advanced computer course, I am now enrolled in digital marketing, another online course given by Advocacy Initiative for Youth Development in partnership with Coursera and TechFugee. At the same time, I have worked to clean up all my social media and start building online visibility, she ironically added.

It is important to mention that the vision of this support is to sustain and scale to reach more graduates at every intake as long as our partner continues to get funds.

It is also important to highlight that as an implementing organization, we have designed RemoFugee Hub, a space that can continue hosting those who don’t have personal tools. With this initiative, our goal is to make both Kakuma refugee and Kalobeyei settlement camps known as not only a place of refuge but as a place of innovation, learning, and a land of thousands of opportunities. Said Ebengo Honore, Program Director of AIYD2.

WHY PERSONAL TOOLS?

It is a strategic resource for the future of refugee youth and skills implementation. 

By pairing Skills with Tools and motivation with Mentorship, Advocacy Initiative for Youth Development, with the support of GiveInternet.org, is unlocking new pathways for income generation, education, and human dignity.