Basic education is the first stage of formal education. It is the foundation for further education and is considered essential for personal and social development, as well as for economic growth and development. Windle International works to improve access to primary education for refugees and host communities by building schools, providing learning materials, training teachers, and engaging communities. This ensures all children have the chance to receive a quality primary education, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Our partnership programme with UNHCR enables young refugees to continue secondary and post-secondary education, and motivates them to stay in school and succeed academically. At the refugee settlement and camps in Uganda and Kenya respectively, improvement of secondary education serves as an incentive for primary school completion. Expanded and balanced access to secondary education promotes gender equality and Windle puts up every effort to ensure quality inclusive education that provides opportunities for girls, boys and special needs children.

1. DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship programme in Kenya,Uganda,Somalia.

Higher education nurtures a generation of future change-makers that can take the lead in identifying solutions to refugee situations. We have been UNHCR’s implementing partner for the DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship programme, supported by the German Government, since 2005. Through this Programme we support refugee students and returnees to study undergraduate level courses in a wide range of subjects essential for economic and social development. The students selected for sponsorship are from disadvantaged backgrounds and in need of financial support, with academic ability, leadership potential and a commitment to their community.

2. Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET): Uganda, Kenya

Windle promotes Technical and Vocational Education Training where Youth acquire vocational skills in various disciplines such as; motor vehicle mechanics, electrical installation, building and construction, agriculture, woodwork technology, welding and metal fabrication and fashion and design. There are also community-based skills development initiatives targeting youth out of school which have to date trained over 1,000 youth and equipped them with start-up kits to enter profitable self – employment.

3. Complimentary Pathways: Uganda, Somalia

Complimentary education and labor mobility pathways are programmes that provide refugees with opportunities to pursue higher education or vocational training and access employment opportunities in third countries.
WIU in partnership with World University Services of Canada (WUSC) has continued to facilitate refugee students’ opportunities to study and work in Canada.
The Education and Labour mobility pathways project in Somalia maps graduate refugees and enhances skills for employment opportunities through mentorships and training and as well support in the application process and visa facilitation in third countries scholarships.

4. Teacher Training and Continuous Development :Kenya, Uganda, Somalia

Teacher training is a priority for Windle as we aim to improve learning outcomes for students in every country we work. Windle has invested in specialized, dedicated expertise to implement continuous teacher training, professional development programmes and on-the-job teacher training. This means moving away from short-term, workshop-based training to long-term programmes that provide teachers with ongoing and on the job training that leads to recognized certification. The programmes also present an opportunity for both trained and untrained teachers to receive regular refresher training to upgrade their skills and knowledge as effective professional development is a life-long and on-going process.
The trainees get to acquire knowledge and skills in ICT which are critical for improved, quality teaching and learning experience.

5. Scholarships Management: Kenya,Uganda,Somalia

At Windle, we understand that Education is a fundamental human right and scholarships are one way of ensuring that this right is protected and promoted for all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances. Scholarships are crucial in promoting access to education for vulnerable and marginalized students, including refugees. With support from UNHCR and other partners, our scholarship programmes in Kenya,Uganda and Somalia support vulnerable and marginalized students, including refugees, to support their education through primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of education. Our scholarship management programs are designed to ensure that the scholarships are awarded fairly and transparently and that the students who receive them are able to make the most of the opportunities they provide.

Windle International Kenya (WIK) has significantly promoted Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions in schools, particularly in refugee camps and marginalized regions of Kenya. These interventions are critical in improving the overall health, well-being, and learning outcomes of students. WIK's WASH initiatives focus on providing safe water, adequate sanitation facilities, and promoting hygiene education among school children, teachers, and the surrounding communities.

Safe Water Access
WIK ensures schools have access to clean and safe drinking water, which is fundamental for student health and hygiene. This is achieved by installing water tanks and piped water systems in schools. Water quality is regularly monitored to meet health standards.
Improved Sanitation Facilities
Schools supported by WIK receive improved sanitation facilities such as gender-segregated restrooms, handwashing stations, and sanitary bins. This encourages students, especially girls, to stay in school, particularly after reaching puberty. The availability of clean and well-maintained facilities reduces absenteeism caused by poor hygiene and sanitation-related illnesses.
Hygiene Education and Behavior Change
Hygiene promotion is a vital part of WIK’s WASH interventions. Through health clubs and trained hygiene educators, students are taught about proper handwashing techniques, menstrual hygiene management, and personal hygiene practices. This education helps to instill lifelong hygiene habits that reduce the spread of diseases like diarrhea and respiratory infections.
Community Engagement
WIK’s WASH programs extend beyond the school environment by involving the local community. Parents, teachers, and community leaders are engaged in the importance of WASH practices to ensure that schools maintain a hygienic environment. Community involvement also helps sustain WASH infrastructure and encourage proper hygiene at the household level.
Emergency Response and COVID-19 Prevention
During the COVID-19 pandemic, WIK intensified its WASH interventions by providing additional handwashing stations, distributing soap, and conducting awareness campaigns on the importance of hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus. These efforts were crucial in keeping schools safe and operational during the global health crisis.

Windle International Kenya (WIK) recognizes the urgent need to address environmental degradation and climate change, particularly in regions where refugees and marginalized communities live. These areas are often more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as drought, flooding, and land degradation, which affect livelihoods, food security, and overall well-being. In response, WIK has implemented a range of environmental and climate change interventions to promote sustainability, resilience, and environmental stewardship.

Key Components of WIK’s Environment and Climate Change Interventions

Climate-Smart Agriculture and Livelihoods
●WIK promotes climate-smart agricultural practices to help communities adapt to the changing climate. This includes training refugees and host communities on sustainable farming techniques such as agroforestry, crop diversification, water conservation, and soil management. By adopting these methods, farmers can increase productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
●Programs such as kitchen gardening and introducing drought-resistant crops ensure food security in areas facing water scarcity and erratic rainfall patterns.
Reforestation and Tree Planting Initiatives
●In response to widespread deforestation, particularly in refugee-hosting areas where wood is the primary fuel source, WIK has launched reforestation initiatives. These programs involve planting indigenous and fast-growing tree species to restore ecosystems, prevent soil erosion, and create sustainable sources of firewood and building materials.
●School-based tree planting programs engage students in environmental conservation from a young age, instilling a culture of tree planting and care. WIK encourages refugees and host communities to participate in tree nurseries and afforestation projects.
Environmental Education and Awareness
●WIK incorporates environmental education into its programs, particularly in schools, to raise awareness about climate change and the importance of ecological conservation. Students are taught about waste management, the impacts of deforestation, and the benefits of renewable energy.
●Community awareness campaigns on climate change mitigation and adaptation practices are also conducted, encouraging communities to adopt sustainable practices such as waste recycling, water conservation, and eco-friendly energy alternatives.
Climate Change Advocacy and Policy Engagement
●WIK collaborates with local governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders to advocate for policies that promote environmental sustainability and address the effects of climate change in refugee-hosting areas. This includes participating in climate change forums, contributing to national climate change action plans, and aligning its programs with global goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
●Advocacy efforts are also focused on ensuring that the voices of refugees and marginalized communities are heard in national and global climate change discussions, highlighting their specific vulnerabilities and needs.
Water Resource Management
●In areas where water scarcity is a pressing issue, WIK implements water resource management interventions to conserve and efficiently use available water resources. This includes rainwater harvesting systems, water recycling initiatives, and the rehabilitation of water points to improve access to clean water.
●Water conservation education is integrated into schools and communities to reduce water wastage and promote sustainable water use practices in daily activities, agriculture, and sanitation.
Youth Engagement in Climate Action
●Recognizing the critical role that young people play in climate action, WIK engages youth in its environmental programs through school clubs, community initiatives, and leadership training. Youth are empowered to spearhead climate change campaigns, develop innovative solutions, and advocate for more robust community climate policies.
●In collaboration with partners such as DAFI (the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative), WIK involves university students in environmental research, climate change awareness, and practical projects such as tree planting and sustainable agriculture.
Waste Management and Recycling Initiatives
●WIK encourages responsible waste management practices in refugee camps and host communities by promoting waste segregation, recycling, and the safe disposal of hazardous materials. Waste management projects include plastic recycling initiatives, composting organic waste for use as fertilizer, and the production of eco-friendly briquettes from agricultural waste.
●These initiatives not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also provide income-generating opportunities for refugees and residents engaged in recycling activities.

Windle International Kenya (WIK) has made significant strides in improving the lives of refugees and host communities through skills and livelihood interventions. Recognizing that education alone is not enough to ensure sustainable livelihoods, WIK's programs focus on empowering individuals with practical skills and knowledge that enhance their employability, self-reliance, and resilience, particularly in refugee camps and marginalized regions of Kenya.

Key Components of WIK’s Skills and Livelihood Interventions
Vocational Training and Skills Development
●WIK provides vocational training programs to equip refugees and host community members with marketable skills that align with local labor market demands. These include carpentry, tailoring, welding, masonry, electrical installation, and hairdressing, among others. By targeting youth and adults, WIK ensures beneficiaries can pursue income-generating activities, enhancing their financial independence.
●These vocational programs are often coupled with certifications recognized by national authorities, which boosts the chances of employment in formal sectors.
Entrepreneurship and Business Skills
●In addition to vocational training, WIK offers entrepreneurship programs that teach refugees and host communities how to start and manage small businesses. Participants learn basic financial literacy, business planning, marketing, and bookkeeping skills. This helps them launch and sustain their enterprises, contributing to the local economy and reducing dependency on humanitarian aid.
●WIK supports the creation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through mentorship and linking beneficiaries to microfinance institutions, which provide access to credit for startup capital.
Agricultural and Livelihood Support
●Recognizing the importance of food security, WIK runs agricultural livelihood programs that teach modern farming techniques, including climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land use practices. Beneficiaries are trained in crop production, kitchen gardening, and animal husbandry, helping them to increase food production and income generation from agriculture.
●WIK also promotes the use of technology in agriculture, such as drip irrigation and greenhouse farming, to ensure year-round production and resilience to drought and other environmental challenges.
Skills for the Digital Economy
●With the growing importance of technology in the job market, WIK integrates digital skills training in its interventions. This includes basic computer literacy, data entry, and more advanced courses in IT, graphic design, and coding. By equipping young people with these skills, WIK prepares them for opportunities in the digital economy, which can be accessed remotely, providing a significant advantage in refugee settings where local job opportunities may be limited.
Apprenticeship and Internship Programs
●WIK partners with local businesses and organizations to provide apprenticeship and internship opportunities for graduates of its vocational and skills development programs. These placements give individuals practical experience in real-world work environments, increasing their chances of securing long-term employment.
●Internships are also arranged for university graduates through the DAFI scholarship program, which helps link students to potential employers in their fields of study.
Life Skills and Empowerment
●Beyond technical and business skills, WIK emphasizes the importance of life skills, including communication, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork. Special programs targeting youth and women are designed to build confidence and social capital, empowering participants to take control of their lives and contribute to their communities.
●Gender-sensitive programming ensures that women and girls have equal access to opportunities, particularly in regions where cultural norms may limit their participation in economic activities.
Linking Skills to Market Opportunities
●WIK connects beneficiaries to local and regional markets by organizing job fairs, providing job search support, and working with employers to place qualified individuals in jobs. WIK also supports the establishment of cooperatives to improve collective bargaining power and market access for small-scale entrepreneurs and farmers.
Support for Refugee Youth
●Acknowledging refugee youth's unique challenges, WIK designs youth-specific livelihood programs that include entrepreneurship, sports-based skills training, and psychosocial support. These interventions aim to prevent risky behaviors and ensure that youth are engaged in productive activities that contribute to their personal growth and future opportunities.