Zawadi Africa Education Fund

The program addresses the issue of limited access to higher education and leadership opportunities for academically talented but financially disadvantaged African girls. By providing scholarships and training, the initiative aims to empower these girls and create a generation of young women leaders in Africa.

The innovation provides university scholarships, leadership training, and life skills training. M&E includes regular reporting on academic performance and checks on alumni's community projects. A coordinator in the US monitors the progress of girls enrolled in universities to ensure they are doing well. A Facebook group helps track progress, and regular email and phone conversations occur between the girls and Zawadi staff.

The program started in Kenya in 2002 with the first class of 2 graduating in 2006. The program has expanded to Uganda and Ghana. In 2013, 38 girls were enrolled, and in 2014, 80 girls qualified for scholarships. The number receiving scholarships is expected to exceed that of 2013.