Samsung Electronics Provides UNHCR With 1,000 Galaxy Tabs for Refugee Youth Education in Kenya

©UNHCR/Samuel Otieno

Given the ongoing global pandemic, young people around the world are having to adjust to the new normal of digital and distance learning, but for refugee youths, obtaining necessary tools to study with is harder than it is for others.

In order to provide affected refugee youths with better learning experiences, Samsung Electronics has donated 1,000 Galaxy Tab devices to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, which will be delivered to 15 locations including schools and community centers in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps in Kenya.

Providing Quality Education for All

The refugee camps in Kakuma and Dadaab are two of the oldest ones in the world and, as of January this year, host approximately 380,000 refugees. It is estimated that 40%, or around 160,000, of those living in the camps are school-aged children.

However, even though the schools in these refugee camps reopened in January this year after nine months of lockdown due to COVID-19, it remains difficult for refugee students to have access to stationery, textbooks and other necessities for learning – an issue that prevails even after the reopening of schools.

Thanks to the donated Galaxy Tabs, the tablet distribution rate per refugee student will be improved in these camps, and refugee students will be able to utilize the devices to participate in the school classes and tune into extensive digital learning materials.

UNHCR plans to utilize these Galaxy Tabs in its Instant Network Schools program, an initiative to provide digital learning supports to young refugees.

“The contribution from Samsung is a good practice of how a global company can help the most vulnerable people access to education with its technology. UNHCR Korea looks forward to developing partnership with Samsung Electronics now onwards,” noted James Lynch, Representative of UNHCR Korea.

Together for Tomorrow: Enabling People

©UNHCR/Samuel Otieno

“It is important for us to be supporting the youth in refugee camps, who are considered as one of the most vulnerable groups to be hit hard by COVID-19, so that they could continue with their studies,” noted Won Kyong Kim, Executive Vice President and head of Samsung’s Corporate Sustainability Center. “Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all young people is essential for a sustainable future for all.”

With its vision of ‘Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People’, Samsung has been and will continue to operate social contribution activities focusing on youth education and growth for their sustainable development, including Samsung Junior SW Academy, Samsung SW Academy for Youth, Samsung DreamClass, Samsung Smart School, and more.