The Student Sponsorship Project involves the academic and/or technical education of selected students. It supports the education of students at primary, secondary or tertiary level, including adult literacy, technical and vocational education and long-distance degree level courses. At primary school level, it is involved in providing uniform, school equipment, transport and sometimes accommodations for students who cannot attend primary school because of insufficient funds to purchase these necessities or because of their nomadic lifestyle. The students are expected, in return, to participate during their holiday time in projects being carried out by the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA) to help their local community. These include projects such as teaching in nursery schools, helping in the repair and construction of dams, water facilities, community centres, doing agricultural work and carrying out surveys of families in nomadic areas to assess their needs etc.

Students are selected for sponsorship through interview by a panel comprised of local leaders, such as members of the Health Committee, the Parish Council and the teacher, and members of the MCSPA. The religion of the applicant is of no relevance in the selection process but certain criteria are applied; for example, students must have the intellectual ability and skills necessary to meet the requirements of the course and they must demonstrate their willingness to help their community.

At the inception of the Project, a decision was made not to invite individual sponsors to fund individual students. It was thought that on such projects, once the individual student had completed their education, the funding usually stopped. By asking donors to fund the project rather than individuals, it is hoped that their support will continue over many years.

The Cost:

In 2005, 30 students were financed at a total cost of KSH 798,674.