UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims successfully raised over Sh15 million in two hours for refugee education in Kenya at their fundraising Iftar dinner attended by dignitaries and business leaders in Nairobi last Saturday.
The Iftar dinner was attended by government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, inter-faith community leaders, and private sector business and community leaders.
“I was inspired by the refugee youth speakers at the dinner and was incredibly encouraged to see a diverse group of change-makers gather together for one evening to support the plight of people forced to ? ee by investing in their education,” said Fathiaa Abdalla, UNHCR Representative in Kenya.
The dinner held at the Intercontinental hotel had speakers including Ali Bunow Korane, the Governor of Garissa County; Ambassador Mohamed Mahat, SUPKEM Secretary-General, and Ambassador Yusuf A. Nzibo, SUPKEM Chairman.
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Others were Mohamoud Ahmed Nur, Somali Ambassador to Kenya, representatives from embassies of Turkey, Pakistan, Arab League, and the UAE.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as County Government of Turkana and County Government of Wajir.
IGAD Executive Secretary, Ambassador Mahboub Maalim was also present.
MPs Mohamud Sheikh Mohammed (Wajir South) and Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji) also attended.
From the non-governmental sector was Dr Abbas Gullet of Kenya Red Cross; Father Joseph Muite, Chair of Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, and Hashmukh Devani, Chair of Asian Foundation.
Members of the business community included the Eastleigh Business Community led by the Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Hussein.
Others were Hass Petroleum, Regnol Oil Company, Pronto Restaurant, Freedom Air, Gargar Transporters and Kush Bank, among others.
“This fundraising Iftar highlights the unity and community spirit of Kenyans,” said Ambassador Mohamed Aff ey, UNHCR Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa.
“Almost half of refugee schoolaged children are not attending school in Kenya. Together, our community responded to this increasing crisis by donating generously to improve refugee access to education.”
“The holy month of Ramadan has brought our community together to support this worthy cause. What we have seen from the UNHCR & SUPKEM Iftar dinner is that we can provide much more than just a meal to needy people – we can invest in their future,” said Dr Nzibo.
Kenya is host to more than 450,000 refugees, 77 per cent of whom are women and children.
The Iftar dinner was organised as a part of the greater UNHCR & SUPKEM Ramadhan Campaign running for the entire period of Ramadan.
More information can be found at donate.unhcr. org/education and contributions can be made via MPesa: Playbill No. 329378, Account: Ramadan.
All funds raised go towards refugee education in Kenya.
