WINDLE TRUST INTERNATIONAL KENYA AND PLACEMENT OF REFUGEE STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
WINDLE TRUST INTERNATIONAL KENYA AND PLACEMENT OF REFUGEE STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Isacko Tura Dido - Student, Department of Public Policy And Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Dr. Felix Kiruthu - Lecturer, Department of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
The integration of refugees into higher education presents numerous challenges, particularly within refugee environments where instability and uncertainty prevail. Higher education, however, plays a critical role in shaping academic outcomes, social and emotional well-being, and future social and labor market integration. This study examines the effect of Windle International Kenya placement programme for refugee students to higher institutions in Kenya. The research adopted a descriptive research design, guided by Social Learning Theory and Systems Theory, to explore WIK’s effect on refugee education. A target population of 577 participants, including WIK staff, guardians of beneficiary students, and refugee students from Dagahaley Camp, was selected. 172 refugee students were selected using purposive and random sampling techniques. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires and interview schedules, and analyzed using SPSS Version 24 for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. The findings reveal a strong positive relationship between Windle International Kenya's placement program and its effects on refugees, with a correlation coefficient of 0.789. The model explains 62.2% of the variance in refugee outcomes (R² = 0.622), and the regression coefficient for the placement program is 0.828, showing its significant positive impact on access to education for refugees. The F-statistic of 32.415 and p-value of 0.000 indicate a highly significant effect. It is recommended that Windle International Kenya's placement program continue to be supported and expanded to further enhance refugees' access to higher education. This program has demonstrated a significant positive effect on refugees' educational outcomes, and scaling it can inspire other refugees to pursue similar opportunities. Additionally, integrating policy frameworks and institutional support will optimize the effectiveness of these placements.
