another
kind of
christmas
We are enabling volunteers to be part of our educational camp in Turkana, Kenya, to empower local girls and women through education and mentorship.
The PROJECT.
Our goal is to empower women and communities through education, entrepreneurship and leadership.
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“Another Kind of Christmas” was initiated by Strathmore University in 2019 as part of the Strathmore Turkana Education Program (STEP).
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Since 2023, international and local young professionals lead this project as volunteers.
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The main partners of this project are the Catholic Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle and the NGO “Girls on Fire Leaders”
The BARRIERS.
Turkana County, located in northern Kenya, is an arid region frequently affected by droughts and a severe shortage of food and water. With 88% of the population living below the poverty line and only 3% having access to secondary education, the challenges are immense. The primary barrier to education is the lack of secondary school infrastructure, compounded by families' inability to afford schooling elsewhere. For girls, education is even more inaccessible due to factors such as child marriage, cultural barriers, and the absence of female role models.
Our BACKGROUND.
After16 years of permanent presence of the Missionary Community of St.Paul in Turkana, the first generations of educated young people are finishing school.
It is a time of hope in Turkana, as young people begin to envision futures beyond traditional roles of shepherding or homemaking, enriching their community's future.
The youth in Turkana does not only need financial support, but also education orientation, 1:1 mentoring, life and leadership skills and role models in the community.
Our ACTIVITIES.
Girls Leadership
Our Girls Leadership Program is supported by the NGO "Girls of Fire Leaders", aims to teach, mentor, and cultivate leadership and education in young girls to develop them into confident and self-determined women so they can lead their lives and their communities.
In our Another Kind of Christmas Holiday Camp, we equip local girls with the tools, experiences, and role models needed to step into leadership roles and ultimately break the cycle of poverty, developing a new generation of changemakers.
Youth Mentorship
Our Youth Mentorship Program is aiming to support young adults transitioning from high school to college or the working. Through our Youth Mentorship program at Another Kind of Christmas, we empower young adults with the guidance, skills, and confidence they need to take the next step in their journey.
From career advice to personal growth, relationships to leadership development, these sessions are all about preparing for the future and making dreams become reality.
Women Entrepreneurship
Our Women Entrepreneurship initiative is a local business program providing uneducated women in Turkana with foundational business and financial training to build sustainable beadwork businesses. Through training in inventory management, accounting, and planning, we transform their existing beadwork talent into thriving small enterprises that generate independent income.
This initiative expands horizons, motivates continuous learning, and gives women a sense of purpose and recognition. When a woman thrives, so does her family and community.
School Revision
Our School Revision program is dedicated to helping primary school students strengthen their skills in Math and English, building confidence and unlocking new opportunities.
With the support of passionate volunteers, the students engage in interactive learning sessions, fun exercises, and group activities that make revision both effective and enjoyable. Watching their determination and excitement reminds us that education is the greatest gift we can give this season. Every small step in learning leads to big dreams for the future.
Long-term Impact
Our vision of empowering women through education becomes a reality in a very specific way: through scholarships. Educating one girl at a time.
Our Fundraising Campaigns complements our “Another Kind of Christmas” camps. The purpose is to ensure the long term impact of this project giving girls and women financial resources to continue with their education.
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