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AReL

Based in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, Action for Refugee Life (AReL) is a refugee-led social impact organization dedicated to empowering displaced communities through education, digital skills training, and economic inclusion.

AReL Launches Groundbreaking Technology Masterclass Program to Equip Refugees with Future-Ready Digital Skills

Press

For Immediate Release
March 17th, 2025

Kakuma, Kenya – A New Era of Digital Learning Begins for Refugees

For decades, displaced communities have struggled to access quality education, let alone advanced, industry-level training in technology. Today, Action for Refugee Life (AReL) is changing that reality with the launch of its Technology Masterclass Program. The initiative is a first-of-its-kind permanent endeavor that gives refugees direct access to top industry professionals, cutting-edge digital skills, and a structured path toward high-paying careers in the global digital economy.

This groundbreaking program, co-developed and facilitated by a team of leading tech specialists, is a testament to the power of innovation, creativity, and real-world expertise. It is not just about acquiring technical skills; it is about providing direct exposure to the way professionals work, problem-solve, and create impact in the tech industry.


A Masterclass Program Designed for Maximum Impact

Unlike traditional training programs that focus on basic skills, the AReL Technology Masterclass Program is designed to push students beyond entry-level knowledge and into specialized, advanced development tracks. The Technology Masterclass Program will train students in some of the most sought-after digital fields, including:

  • Entrepreneurship Development
  • Online Business Strategy
  • Digital Marketing & Organic Growth
  • Paid Advertising
  • Social Media Management & Marketing
  • Web Design & Development
  • UI/UX
  • E-Commerce
  • Graphic Design & Visual Communication
  • And more.

The program operates through two distinct learning structures, each designed to serve a unique purpose in guiding students through their professional growth:

1. Masterclass Series – A Structured Deep Dive into Advanced Learning

The Masterclass Series provides a guided progression through advanced skills, allowing students to engage deeply with specific areas of development under the instruction of seasoned industry professionals.

  • Why It Matters: In refugee settings, access to high-level skills training is virtually nonexistent. While many programs focus on introductory digital skills, few offer live, real-time, expert-led guidance on advanced skills that are directly applicable in the industry. This series fills that gap, helping students refine their craft and approach challenges with the same strategies used by professionals in the field.
  • Long-Term Impact: These masterclasses are designed to accelerate skill development, build confidence in handling complex projects, and enable students to transition into professional environments with a competitive edge.

2. One-Off Masterclass Sessions – Exposure to Emerging Trends and Technologies

The One-Off Masterclass Sessions introduce students to new fields, cutting-edge tools, and evolving industry trends, helping them expand their understanding of the tech ecosystem.

  • Why It Matters: Many students in refugee settings have never had the opportunity to explore a wide range of tech disciplines before committing to a specific path. Exposure to different fields at an early stage can be the key to discovering hidden talents and passions.
  • Long-Term Impact: By engaging in these exploratory sessions, students gain a broader understanding of the tech landscape, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their career direction and areas of specialization.

Together, these two learning structures ensure that every student, regardless of their starting point, has a pathway to advancement, discovery, and career readiness.


A Safe and Permanent Learning Hub in Kakuma

Education in refugee settings is often disrupted, temporary, or constrained by resource limitations. One of the defining features of AReL’s program is that it is permanent, sustainable, and accessible all year round, a breakthrough for refugee learners.

From its physical presence in Kakuma Refugee Camp, AReL ensures that students have:

  • A dedicated space to register, check out laptops, and connect to the internet—eliminating infrastructure barriers that often limit digital learning.
  • Year-round live sessions provide consistency and ensure that skills development does not stop due to logistical challenges.
  • Direct access to professionals—allowing students to participate in discussions, ask questions, and learn from real industry experiences.

This long-term commitment is what makes AReL’s program stand apart—it is not a temporary initiative but a lasting pillar for digital education and career growth in Kakuma.


A True Innovation: A Masterclass Co-Developed and Led by Industry Experts

What makes this initiative truly groundbreaking is that it was not only designed for refugees but also co-developed and led by the very industry professionals who are shaping the global tech landscape. This pioneering approach ensures that students engage directly with experts, gaining not just technical skills but also insight into how professionals think, adapt, and solve real-world challenges.

Creating a program of this scale—one that delivers measurable impact and year-round accessibility—required a fusion of expertise, innovation, and ingenuity. The professionals behind this initiative have worked strategically to:

  • Design a sustainable, adaptable model that can be implemented year-round with live engagement.
  • Ensure real-world applicability, connecting students to the methodologies and strategies used by leading tech professionals.
  • Develop a structured, hands-on approach, where students actively participate in problem-solving, discussions, and industry-relevant exercises.
   

Adding to its groundbreaking nature, this first-of-its-kind program is led by an all-women masterclass of tech experts, a vital step in addressing gender disparities in the industry. 

For young refugee women, the tech space often feels out of reach, not due to a lack of ability but because of systemic barriers, cultural norms, and limited representation.

By seeing women leading the charge, young female learners in Kakuma gain confidence, encouragement, and the belief that they, too, belong in the global digital economy. This program is not just about education—it’s about expanding access to leadership, fostering ambition, and reshaping the narrative of who gets to succeed in tech.

The program is co-developed and led by the following first class of expert instructors:

Nija Taylor
Passionate Marketing Professional | Performance, Brand & Growth Marketing | MBA Candidate at Drexel University
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nija-taylor-49723482 

Kelly Giles
Product Marketing Manager | Digital Marketing | Strategic Planning | Growth Marketing | Lead Generation | Remote Team Leadership | Cross-functional Collaboration | Multi-channel Marketing | Content Strategy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-giles3 

Stephanie Mesa
Social Media Expert with a background in marketing and literature, career practitioner building online presence through thoughtful brand planning and strategic engagement tactics. Leadership in product design and team building.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemesa 

Jo Hutchinson
Lead Product Designer at Verblio, Consultant, UI/UX Specialist, Expert CMS Integrator, Trained Artist, Web Design practitioner, Leader in product design and cross-functional team building.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-hutchison 

Lisa Koroma
Creative Project Manager | 10+ Years Streamlining Creative Projects | PMP® Certification Candidate
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakoroma 

 

Partnerships That Deliver

The AReL Technology Masterclass Program stands as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships that drive real impact. Bringing this groundbreaking initiative to life required not only vision but also a dedicated effort to recruit, assemble, and onboard industry leaders who could co-develop and facilitate a program of this caliber.

AReL proudly recognizes Bnevol, LLC for its instrumental role in leading this effort. As a key partner, Bnevol, LLC spearheaded the recruitment, structuring, and onboarding of the expert team, ensuring that the masterclass program is built on excellence, innovation, and real-world industry insights. Their expertise in talent acquisition, program development, and strategic leadership played a pivotal role in transforming this initiative from concept to execution.

This collaboration exemplifies what is possible when organizations unite to create sustainable, high-impact solutions. With this partnership, AReL has been able to connect refugee learners with world-class professionals, fostering an environment where skills, knowledge, and career opportunities intersect in powerful ways.

This is just the beginning, as AReL continues to expand its masterclass offerings, partnerships like this will remain at the heart of building a stronger, more dynamic digital future for refugee learners.

 

Join Us in Transforming Lives Through Digital Education

The future of tech must be built on talent, skill, and determination, and refugees must have the chance to compete and succeed on a global scale. This is not just a program, it is a blueprint for what is possible when innovation, expertise, and opportunity come together.

Learn more about the Masterclass program, its co-developers, instructors, and related AReL programs by visiting the AReL's program page here.

 

About AReL:

Action for Refugee Life (AReL) is a refugee-led social impact organization dedicated to empowering displaced communities through education, digital skills training, and economic inclusion. Based in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, AReL’s mission is to provide refugees with the skills, infrastructure, and industry connections needed to break cycles of dependency and achieve self-reliance in the digital economy.

For media inquiries and partnership opportunities, please contact us here: Contact AReL

 

About Bnevol:

Bnevol is a consultancy and digital solutions agency amplifying the impact of mission-focused organizations and leaders. By leveraging tech for good, Bnevol empowers its clients, champions of change, with innovative digital strategies that enhance visibility, engagement, and measurable impact. Specializing in web development, e-commerce, online presence, digital marketing, and brand development, Bnevol delivers tailored solutions that drive success for purpose-driven organizations.

Learn more about Bnevol on their website here: Bnevol - Tech for Good

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AReL Launches Groundbreaking Technology Masterclass Program to Equip Refugees with Future-Ready Digital Skills

Press

For Immediate Release
March 17th, 2025

Kakuma, Kenya – A New Era of Digital Learning Begins for Refugees

For decades, displaced communities have struggled to access quality education, let alone advanced, industry-level training in technology. Today, Action for Refugee Life (AReL) is changing that reality with the launch of its Technology Masterclass Program. The initiative is a first-of-its-kind permanent endeavor that gives refugees direct access to top industry professionals, cutting-edge digital skills, and a structured path toward high-paying careers in the global digital economy.

This groundbreaking program, co-developed and facilitated by a team of leading tech specialists, is a testament to the power of innovation, creativity, and real-world expertise. It is not just about acquiring technical skills; it is about providing direct exposure to the way professionals work, problem-solve, and create impact in the tech industry.


A Masterclass Program Designed for Maximum Impact

Unlike traditional training programs that focus on basic skills, the AReL Technology Masterclass Program is designed to push students beyond entry-level knowledge and into specialized, advanced development tracks. The Technology Masterclass Program will train students in some of the most sought-after digital fields, including:

  • Entrepreneurship Development
  • Online Business Strategy
  • Digital Marketing & Organic Growth
  • Paid Advertising
  • Social Media Management & Marketing
  • Web Design & Development
  • UI/UX
  • E-Commerce
  • Graphic Design & Visual Communication
  • And more.

The program operates through two distinct learning structures, each designed to serve a unique purpose in guiding students through their professional growth:

1. Masterclass Series – A Structured Deep Dive into Advanced Learning

The Masterclass Series provides a guided progression through advanced skills, allowing students to engage deeply with specific areas of development under the instruction of seasoned industry professionals.

  • Why It Matters: In refugee settings, access to high-level skills training is virtually nonexistent. While many programs focus on introductory digital skills, few offer live, real-time, expert-led guidance on advanced skills that are directly applicable in the industry. This series fills that gap, helping students refine their craft and approach challenges with the same strategies used by professionals in the field.
  • Long-Term Impact: These masterclasses are designed to accelerate skill development, build confidence in handling complex projects, and enable students to transition into professional environments with a competitive edge.

2. One-Off Masterclass Sessions – Exposure to Emerging Trends and Technologies

The One-Off Masterclass Sessions introduce students to new fields, cutting-edge tools, and evolving industry trends, helping them expand their understanding of the tech ecosystem.

  • Why It Matters: Many students in refugee settings have never had the opportunity to explore a wide range of tech disciplines before committing to a specific path. Exposure to different fields at an early stage can be the key to discovering hidden talents and passions.
  • Long-Term Impact: By engaging in these exploratory sessions, students gain a broader understanding of the tech landscape, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their career direction and areas of specialization.

Together, these two learning structures ensure that every student, regardless of their starting point, has a pathway to advancement, discovery, and career readiness.


A Safe and Permanent Learning Hub in Kakuma

Education in refugee settings is often disrupted, temporary, or constrained by resource limitations. One of the defining features of AReL’s program is that it is permanent, sustainable, and accessible all year round, a breakthrough for refugee learners.

From its physical presence in Kakuma Refugee Camp, AReL ensures that students have:

  • A dedicated space to register, check out laptops, and connect to the internet—eliminating infrastructure barriers that often limit digital learning.
  • Year-round live sessions provide consistency and ensure that skills development does not stop due to logistical challenges.
  • Direct access to professionals—allowing students to participate in discussions, ask questions, and learn from real industry experiences.

This long-term commitment is what makes AReL’s program stand apart—it is not a temporary initiative but a lasting pillar for digital education and career growth in Kakuma.


A True Innovation: A Masterclass Co-Developed and Led by Industry Experts

What makes this initiative truly groundbreaking is that it was not only designed for refugees but also co-developed and led by the very industry professionals who are shaping the global tech landscape. This pioneering approach ensures that students engage directly with experts, gaining not just technical skills but also insight into how professionals think, adapt, and solve real-world challenges.

Creating a program of this scale—one that delivers measurable impact and year-round accessibility—required a fusion of expertise, innovation, and ingenuity. The professionals behind this initiative have worked strategically to:

  • Design a sustainable, adaptable model that can be implemented year-round with live engagement.
  • Ensure real-world applicability, connecting students to the methodologies and strategies used by leading tech professionals.
  • Develop a structured, hands-on approach, where students actively participate in problem-solving, discussions, and industry-relevant exercises.
   

Adding to its groundbreaking nature, this first-of-its-kind program is led by an all-women masterclass of tech experts, a vital step in addressing gender disparities in the industry. 

For young refugee women, the tech space often feels out of reach, not due to a lack of ability but because of systemic barriers, cultural norms, and limited representation.

By seeing women leading the charge, young female learners in Kakuma gain confidence, encouragement, and the belief that they, too, belong in the global digital economy. This program is not just about education—it’s about expanding access to leadership, fostering ambition, and reshaping the narrative of who gets to succeed in tech.

The program is co-developed and led by the following first class of expert instructors:

Nija Taylor
Passionate Marketing Professional | Performance, Brand & Growth Marketing | MBA Candidate at Drexel University
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nija-taylor-49723482 

Kelly Giles
Product Marketing Manager | Digital Marketing | Strategic Planning | Growth Marketing | Lead Generation | Remote Team Leadership | Cross-functional Collaboration | Multi-channel Marketing | Content Strategy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-giles3 

Stephanie Mesa
Social Media Expert with a background in marketing and literature, career practitioner building online presence through thoughtful brand planning and strategic engagement tactics. Leadership in product design and team building.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemesa 

Jo Hutchinson
Lead Product Designer at Verblio, Consultant, UI/UX Specialist, Expert CMS Integrator, Trained Artist, Web Design practitioner, Leader in product design and cross-functional team building.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-hutchison 

Lisa Koroma
Creative Project Manager | 10+ Years Streamlining Creative Projects | PMP® Certification Candidate
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakoroma 

 

Partnerships That Deliver

The AReL Technology Masterclass Program stands as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships that drive real impact. Bringing this groundbreaking initiative to life required not only vision but also a dedicated effort to recruit, assemble, and onboard industry leaders who could co-develop and facilitate a program of this caliber.

AReL proudly recognizes Bnevol, LLC for its instrumental role in leading this effort. As a key partner, Bnevol, LLC spearheaded the recruitment, structuring, and onboarding of the expert team, ensuring that the masterclass program is built on excellence, innovation, and real-world industry insights. Their expertise in talent acquisition, program development, and strategic leadership played a pivotal role in transforming this initiative from concept to execution.

This collaboration exemplifies what is possible when organizations unite to create sustainable, high-impact solutions. With this partnership, AReL has been able to connect refugee learners with world-class professionals, fostering an environment where skills, knowledge, and career opportunities intersect in powerful ways.

This is just the beginning, as AReL continues to expand its masterclass offerings, partnerships like this will remain at the heart of building a stronger, more dynamic digital future for refugee learners.

 

Join Us in Transforming Lives Through Digital Education

The future of tech must be built on talent, skill, and determination, and refugees must have the chance to compete and succeed on a global scale. This is not just a program, it is a blueprint for what is possible when innovation, expertise, and opportunity come together.

Learn more about the Masterclass program, its co-developers, instructors, and related AReL programs by visiting the AReL's program page here.

 

About AReL:

Action for Refugee Life (AReL) is a refugee-led social impact organization dedicated to empowering displaced communities through education, digital skills training, and economic inclusion. Based in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, AReL’s mission is to provide refugees with the skills, infrastructure, and industry connections needed to break cycles of dependency and achieve self-reliance in the digital economy.

For media inquiries and partnership opportunities, please contact us here: Contact AReL

 

About Bnevol:

Bnevol is a consultancy and digital solutions agency amplifying the impact of mission-focused organizations and leaders. By leveraging tech for good, Bnevol empowers its clients, champions of change, with innovative digital strategies that enhance visibility, engagement, and measurable impact. Specializing in web development, e-commerce, online presence, digital marketing, and brand development, Bnevol delivers tailored solutions that drive success for purpose-driven organizations.

Learn more about Bnevol on their website here: Bnevol - Tech for Good

Author

AReL

Based in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, Action for Refugee Life (AReL) is a refugee-led social impact organization dedicated to empowering displaced communities through education, digital skills training, and economic inclusion.

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