Access to higher education for pastoral
Communities has remained a big challenge in Kenya and many other African
countries. It has become increasingly clear that pastoral communities
have been severely disadvantaged in accessing higher education
opportunities due to high poverty levels and marginalization. The high
cost of higher education and the high entry points to the universities
have posed a great impediment to empowering the pastoralists communities
through education. However, the story is taking a different turn for
six pastoral students courtesy of the Centre for Sustainable Dryland
Ecosystems and Societies (CSDES).
CSDES which is a partnership between the
University of Nairobi (UON) and Colorado State University (CSU) was
established one year ago with the mission to contribute to sustainable
Dryland ecosystems and improved livelihoods through innovative
trans-disciplinary education, research, partnerships, policy dialogue
and community outreach initiatives. In a bid to accomplish this mission,
the Centre in partnership with the Meeker Family Fund competitively
awarded six needy students from the pastoral communities with higher
education scholarships to enable them pursue undergraduate and master’s
degrees in various desciplines.
The scholarships catered for the all their fees and upkeep at the University of Nairobi.
“I am now certain of attaining my dream career as
an Environmental Scientist.” quipped Lalampaa Pricilla, one of the
beneficiaries. “Being a girl from Samburu County, I have no support from
relatives since they would rather have me married than get an
education. My parents are also unable to support me due to the levels of
poverty. This is a God given opportunity that I will use to succeed in
life and empower my community.” She concludes. Like the other five
students who benefitted from the Scholarship, Lalampaa is excited that
her future looks bright.
CSDES is one of the 11 partnerships between Africa
and U.S institutions of higher education that received a two year
funding through a competitive grant process by U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID) through Higher Education for
Development (HED). The vision of CSDES is: Excellence in the management
of dryland ecosystems and societies.
