The U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Robert F. Godec hosted a reception for a scholarship and empowerment program, the Global Give Back Circle. 

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) partners with Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) and several Kenyan private sector entities to provide scholarships for close to 600 at-risk Kenyan youth.  Girls and boys from disadvantaged backgrounds are empowered to escape the cycle of poverty with an expectation that they will give-back to their communities by applying their education and skills to help the next generation of youth.

During the evening at the Ambassador’s residence, guests engaged in conversations with the Global Give Back Circle scholarship recipients.  These young women, many of whom are orphans or come from impoverished homes, have gained poise and confidence through a unique combination of education, mentorship, life skills and ICT trainings.

The Global Give Back Circle serves as a model scholarship program in Kenya. It brings together the government, private sector, non-governmental organizations and individuals to provide funding and mentors for the scholars.

“This program is much more than a scholarship program. It is an investment in Kenya’s youth, its future workforce, and leadership.  The United States Government is dedicated to supporting youth empowerment across Kenya,” said Ambassador Godec.

The Global Giveback Circle complements the U.S. Government’s commitment to Africa’s youth. Recently, as part of the President’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), the U.S. Government selected 46 participants from Kenya who will join 450 other outstanding young Africans in the U.S. for six weeks of academic course work and training in American universities.

The Ambassador concluded his speech by introducing the founder of the Global Give Back Circle, Linda Lockhart.  “It takes a village to raise a child,” said Linda, thanking the mentors, members of the private sector, the government and the local community for their contributions to changing the destiny of Global Give Back participants in Kenya.

USAID Kenya supports 550 young women in Kenya through the Global Give Back Circle.