Elimisha Kakuma
Seeking interns with Elimisha Kakuma refugee education NGO
VT’s Center for Refugee, Migrant, and Displacement Studies (CRMDS) is seeking interns to work with our partner Elimisha Kakuma (EK). Elimisha Kakuma is a college-preparatory program based in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, and was founded and is led by former refugees. It provides an intensive, year-long program of academic skill-building, computer literacy, and guidance in the college application process for residents of the camp. EK students have received admission with funding at multiple US and Canadian universities.
We are seeking:
- up to 12 tutors: work one-on-one via zoom and asynchronously with our students in Kakuma. Focus on reading and writing skills and guiding them through the college application process. Must be willing to meet either early morning or late evening due to time difference with Kenya.
- 1 or more fundraising interns: plan and hold various events to raise money for EK’s daily operations, and seek larger sources of funding for long-term sustainability
- 1 or more social media interns: work with EK social media team to build local, national, and international awareness of EK on various platforms.
Time commitment is 5-10 hours per week. Tutoring interns must begin by June, 2023 at the latest, and commit to continue through May, 2024. Fundraising and social media interns should be willing to commit at least through December, 2023.
During Fall and Spring semesters, interns can receive 3 credits; during the summer interns can work on a volunteer basis or sign up for a 0-credit course for $75 which will appear on transcripts. Training and supervision will be provided by CRMDS and EK.
We will host 3 zoom information sessions to explain more about EK, the internships, and how to apply.
Questions? Contact Dr. Brett Shadle shadle@vt.edu
Founded by refugees and teachers in 2021, Elimisha Kakuma is a college preparatory educational program for high school graduates in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, Africa. Working with teachers, including former refugees and volunteers, students receive intensive academic instruction, SAT and TOEFL preparation, mentorship with current college students from across the globe, and guidance through the college application process. In addition to attaining skills to access higher education, EK alumni are committed to strengthening their communities through education and innovative programs.