Shukrani & Gratitude

 Shukrani is a Kiswahili word for thanks, or gratitude. We chose this beautiful expression of thankfulness to represent this year’s Giving campaign because all of us at Refugees In Schools (RIS) are filled with immense gratitude this season.

We kicked of our Shukrani campaign with a special celebration here in Kenya last Saturday. Twenty of the RIS vocational college students met at a restaurant outside of Nairobi to share a delicious lunch, but there was a slight problem. The heavy rains brought flies and the outdoor restaurant was infested. We had to come up with a Plan B.  Students were traveling hours on “matatus” (public mini-buses) and everyone was hungry. Someone walked out to the road and flagged down a matatu.  I jumped on the phone and found a nearby restaurant that could accommodate all of us. As the matatu drove towards our waiting group we burst into laughter. There, painted on the windshield was the very apt name: Plan B.

Over goat stew and Cokes the students shared their joy at this opportunity and the gratitude they felt. But they also shared the hard stuff. Some have faced discrimination away from the camp because of their refugee status. Some have even been arrested when they could not produce their refugee I.D. card. They described how hard it is to get by on a student stipend as the costs of living have dramatically increased this past year in Kenya. They are missing their loved ones and some have suffered terrible loss these past two years.

There is no Plan B for these refugees. This scholarship is an opportunity that is so incredibly rare to refugees. If this doesn’t work out, there are no other opportunities to study at a high school, college or vocational college.  This is truly the chance of a lifetime.

Shukrani to our students. You were selected out of hundreds of other applicants to win this scholarship. You were selected not because of grades or exam scores but because you demonstrated a passion to make your communities healthier, safer and more prosperous. Shukrani for navigating a new life away from the camps and away from your families and support systems. We are so proud of all of you.

Shukrani to our supporters. Your financial support has meant these 25 incredible young people have an opportunity few refugees ever get. Our students know and appreciate that there are people out there who have never met them or been to Kenya but who care deeply and are generously making this education possible. It’s truly special.

Thanks to all of you for reading this and for sharing Refugees In Schools Shukrani campaign. Check us out. Follow us. Join us in supporting these amazing young people who will make our world a better place. Cheer them on. Listen for the positive and uplifting stories they will tell as they reach their goals.

Shukrani and Happy Thanksgiving.

Ann