Our Campaign

Windle Trust International seeks funding to kick-start a new scholarship programme to send school leavers from disadvantaged communities in the White and Blue Nile regions of Sudan into undergraduate education.

With a target of 70% female placements, the scholarship programme continues WTI's work in supporting girls education in East Africa, whilst also directly contributing to the development of some of the most impoverished regions of the Sudan.

In addition to scholarships that cover tuition and living expenses, scholars will be supported by a wrap-around care programme. Alongside pastoral and academic welfare, this will also include mentorship training to cascade the value of education down to younger students in their home communities.

What is the need?

Windle Trust International has supported over 5,000 students to complete undergraduate courses at various universities in East Africa since 1988. In Sudan, various organisations, including the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), assist refugees to go on to university, however, there is currently no support for indigenous Sudanese living in rural and conflict affected areas.

WTI would like to offer support to young people in two states of Sudan: Blue Nile and White Nile. Here in particular, educational aspirations are in dire need of support. According to UNICEF, in Blue Nile State only 43% of primary age going children are currently enrolled in and attending school and only 28% of those progress to secondary education. Out of the 28% who in secondary schools, only 30% of these progress to higher education. Early marriage for girls is common in these areas, as is female genital mutilation and trafficking.

The Ambassadors Programme

The scholars will also be trained to be part of a programme of community mobilisation. They will learn to act as leaders and role models in their communities and to mentor the older girls and boys.

As part of this, students will be specifically trained on the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation and the importance of safeguarding while they are at university. This will give them additional skills giving them confidence, building capacity and preparing them for life after school. 

What will it cost?

To provide full scholarships for 4-year university undergraduate courses in Sudan will cost just £1,000 per student. This includes, tuition fees, living expenses, book, equipment and support costs. In the first year of the programme, WTI aims to secure complete funding for the entire period of study for 10 scholars.

Costs include:

Tuition fees: £50 per year for 4 years (£200)

Living expenses: £100 per year for 4 years (£400)

Book, equipment and support costs: £100 per year for 4 years (£400)

How are candidates selected?

Candidates will submit applications and shortlisted candidates will be interviewed face-to-face by WTIs team in Sudan.

Selection for WTI scholarships is aligned to WTIs scholarship selection priorities. In particular, the White and Blue Nile Undergraduate Scholarships will focus on financial need and social disadvantage.

The scholarships will also maintain a minimum target of 70% female enrolment as part of our commitment to achieving gender equity in Sudan.

What do we hope to achieve?

Improved access to education at all levels is essential to the development of Sudan and the eradication of poverty. Education, especially higher education, is a great equalizer: it can open the door to jobs, resources, and skills that a family needs to not just survive, but thrive.

Access to education is a globally-recognized solution to the cycle of poverty. This is, in part, because it also addresses many of the other issues that keep communities vulnerable. Education is the secret ingredient to ending extreme poverty as it stimulates economic growth, reduces income inequality, reduces infant and maternal deaths, reduces vulnerability to HIV and AIDS and reduces violence gender based at home and in society.