Rafiki Thabo

Their core programme provides grants to promising students (Rafiki scholars) who have each qualified and obtained a place at secondary or higher education, but who without our support would be unable to afford the fees and instead would remain at home, labouring to help put food on the table or in the case of girls, be married off at a tender age for dowry. Education empowers and transforms the scholars’ lives, many becoming doctors, nurses, business leaders and community workers. It is imperative to our trustees to have full visibility of the financial support they provide. Rafiki Scholars apply and are selected by volunteer in-country committees, made up of community leaders known personally to the trustees. Fees are transferred directly to the educational institutions ensuring no money goes astray.

Education of course does not exist in a vacuum; at Rafiki Thabo they also support the development of school infrastructure and equipment, to further our aim to increase access to education. We also run an ‘Eat Well to Learn’ programme where 70 of the poorest students at our link school in Uganda are provided with a nutritious lunch each day, making it possible for them to continue in school. For most, this is the only meal they eat every day. Without this they would take on the long and hazardous walk to and from school every day, and be expected to concentrate and learn, on an empty stomach.

They nurture a relationship, not dependency, they aim to inspire our scholars to help others in their communities and encourage participation in our in-country alumni networks. When Scholars graduate and are able, they reach out and support the next generation either financially or through mentoring. We also aspire to educate our developed world audience and supporter base about Africa and the development issues it faces and build networks between their supporters, beneficiaries, international development practitioners and other partners.