The signing ceremony took place at the Unicaf offices and brought together key representatives from both organisations, including District Governor Saad Rahaman (Rotary District 9215), District Governor Essay Yeyesok (Rotary District 9216), and Ms Winnie Rachel, Country Manager of Unicaf, Kenya.

Through this partnership, eligible Rotary members and their immediate families will have the opportunity to pursue internationally recognised Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degree programmes online with generous Unicaf Scholarships, making quality higher education more accessible and affordable.

Speaking during the ceremony, representatives from both organisations reaffirmed their shared commitment to empowering individuals through education and supporting lifelong learning, leadership development and professional advancement.

The event concluded with a networking session and photo opportunity, reinforcing the strong relationship between Unicaf and Rotary Districts 9215 and 9216 while laying the foundation for future collaborative initiatives.

This partnership reflects Unicaf’s ongoing mission to remove barriers to higher education by working with respected organisations across Africa to provide flexible, affordable and internationally recognised academic opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen communities.

Present at the signing ceremony were Mr Prince Derick Hersch Omondi, KEPhSA Secretary General and Ms Viona Ogol, Unicaf Kenya Marketing Officer, with the MoU being formally signed by Mr Brian M Mogambi, President of KEPhSA and Ms Winnie Rachael, Unicaf Kenya’s Country Manager.

This partnership adopts a holistic approach to academic and professional development, ensuring that KEPhSA members are able to strengthen their clinical competencies, research capacity and leadership skills across a range of pharmaceutical contexts. The MoU also includes implementing initiatives such as joint webinars addressing the digital transformation of the pharmaceutical field, as well as workshops designed to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in pharmacy-related endeavours.

Another aspect of this partnership involves participating in events organised by both Unicaf and the KEPhSA, aimed at promoting education and professional growth, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and upskilling, professional certifications and advanced education opportunities for pharmacy students and graduates alike, in addition to involvement in public health awareness campaigns within the pharmaceutical sector.

Through the signing of this MoU, KEPhSA members benefit from generous scholarship opportunities, enabling pharmacy students and graduates across Kenya to pursue internationally recognised degrees online through Unicaf’s state-of-the-art virtual learning environment, in collaboration with its esteemed partner universities in the UK and Africa.

Unicaf looks forward to delivering on these commitments, providing affordable and flexible academic programmes, while supporting leading initiatives that result in improved healthcare outcomes throughout Kenya and the wider region, by supporting the academic and professional ambitions of pharmacy students and graduates, as well as cultivating innovative thinking and entrepreneurial mindsets.

Through this dissemination meeting, participants gained a greater understanding of newly developed national health frameworks, guidelines and practices, including the integration of sexual and reproductive health, HIV, substance use and gender-based violence services. The meeting also covered relevant clinical guidelines, communication and outreach strategies, and their implementation within the health system. These valuable insights provide Unicaf University with an opportunity to incorporate current national frameworks into its teaching modules, ensuring that students and researchers alike are equipped to address Zambia’s most pressing public health challenges and priorities.

Unicaf University, through its participation in this event, demonstrated its commitment to advancing public health research initiatives and delivering impact-driven community health interventions, not only through its generous and range of relevant , but also through engagement in effective government partnerships. By engaging in national initiatives such as this, the University ensures that its public health curricula, as well as its academic and research outputs, remain relevant, evidence-based, and aligned with Zambia’s healthcare goals. Unicaf University looks forward to continued collaboration with both new and existing partners, including the Ministry of Health, in future events aimed at further strengthening research and community engagement in this field.

The clinic began with opening remarks delivered by the Dean of the Business School, followed by presentations from the Deans of the Health and Applied Sciences and Humanities and Education Schools. Additional addresses were delivered by the President of the Lusaka Chamber of Commerce, ZANACO banking specialists and the Director of Small and Medium Enterprises Development. The event concluded with a Q&A session, followed by closing remarks and networking opportunities.

At Unicaf University, we recognise that financial literacy and SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) are critical components of economic development, which is why this clinic was established, as an initiative to improve business sustainability, innovation and growth through expert guidance, mentorship and advisory support by leveraging academic expertise, professional knowledge and institutional partnerships.

This clinic aligns with Unicaf University’s commitment to community engagement, support and interdisciplinary collaboration, extending beyond and a wide range of to include dedicated efforts to support businesses and entrepreneurs alike through valuable insights and the development of a stronger ecosystem for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The launch of the Unicaf Business Clinic marked an important milestone in strengthening Unicaf University’s role as a partner in economic development and business growth through collaboration between academic experts, industry stakeholders and government institutions. We look forward to working with partners and organisations in the future to provide a platform for addressing challenges faced by businesses by promoting knowledge exchange and building lasting bridges between academia and industry.

Following the signing of a partnership agreement with earlier this year, the Unicaf team conducted a series of branch visits to engage employees and raise awareness of the educational opportunities available through the collaboration.

During the visits, Unicaf Country Manager, Ms Winnie Rachael, presented Unicaf’s internationally recognised Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degree programmes, highlighting the flexibility of its online learning model and the scholarship opportunities available to Gulf African Bank employees. She also celebrated the success of the partnership to date, noting the growing number of employees who have already benefited from the scholarship programme while encouraging others to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their professional and personal development.

Employees across the bank’s branches received detailed information about academic programmes, admission requirements, scholarship opportunities and the application process. The sessions encouraged lively discussions, with many staff members expressing a strong interest in pursuing higher education to support their career aspirations.

Unicaf also participated in the WIWIN Women Conference, an inspiring event that brought together women leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals and emerging changemakers to explore themes of leadership, empowerment and personal development.

As part of the conference programme, Unicaf Country Manager, Ms Winnie Rachael delivered an engaging presentation on the relationship between leadership and education. She emphasised the transformative power of lifelong learning in developing confident, capable leaders and encouraged delegates to continue investing in their education to unlock new career opportunities and create lasting impact within their communities. Her presentation generated enthusiastic discussion and significant interest among attendees wishing to further their studies.

A key milestone of the conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Unicaf and WIWIN. Through this partnership, WIWIN members will gain access to exclusive scholarship opportunities for internationally recognised Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degree programmes. The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to empowering women through accessible, affordable and flexible higher education, leadership development and continuous professional growth.

Throughout the conference, Unicaf welcomed delegates to its exhibition stand, where attendees learned more about available scholarship opportunities, academic programmes and the admissions process. The exhibition attracted considerable interest and generated valuable engagement with prospective students.

These initiatives demonstrate Unicaf’s ongoing commitment to building meaningful partnerships that expand access to quality higher education while supporting leadership development, career progression and lifelong learning. By working alongside organisations that share its vision for empowerment and professional growth, Unicaf continues to create opportunities that transform lives and strengthen communities.

The week culminated in the global observance of World Refugee Day on 20 June and brought together key organisations including the (UNHCR), , the (WFP), development agencies and community leaders working to improve the lives of refugees and host communities.

For Unicaf, participation in World Refugee Week extended beyond awareness raising. It represented a strategic opportunity to demonstrate how education can serve as a powerful catalyst for social and economic transformation among vulnerable populations.

Promoting Educational Access During the Day of the African Child

One of the week’s key engagements was participation in the celebrations on 16 June, a continent-wide commemoration that highlights the importance of children’s rights and equal access to education.

The event provided an opportunity for Unicaf to engage directly with children, youth, parents, educators and community stakeholders while promoting the role of education as a pathway to stability, empowerment and long-term self-reliance.

For refugee children and young people, access to quality education remains one of the most effective tools for overcoming the challenges associated with displacement. Through its participation, Unicaf showcased educational pathways available to learners and highlighted opportunities for future academic advancement through internationally recognised higher education .

The sessions reinforced the message that education remains one of the most effective tools for supporting refugee youth in building stable and productive futures. 

Community Engagement Through Skills and Education Awareness Sessions

Throughout the week, Unicaf participated in a series of skills development and education awareness sessions with refugee youth groups, community leaders, and programme participants. These engagements provided opportunities to share information about internationally recognised degree programmes and scholarship options available through Unicaf’s partner universities.

A strong focus was placed on participants involved in BOMA’s Poverty Graduation Framework, where discussions centred on how access to higher education can complement ongoing economic empowerment efforts.

The sessions generated strong interest among participants, with many expressing enthusiasm about pursuing further studies as a pathway to improved employability and long-term economic stability.

Visibility and Outreach at the Market Day Exhibition

Unicaf also took part in the Market Day Exhibition, one of the key public-facing events during World Refugee Week.

The exhibition brought together refugee entrepreneurs, community organisations, and humanitarian agencies, creating a dynamic platform for interaction and knowledge exchange.

Unicaf used the opportunity to engage directly with prospective students and community members, raising awareness about available scholarships and flexible online learning opportunities.

Ms Winnie Rachael, Unicaf’s Country Manager, Kenya, delivered remarks highlighting the importance of education in supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and skills development, particularly within displaced communities.

The exhibition significantly increased visibility for Unicaf within the Kakuma refugee ecosystem and facilitated direct engagement with individuals interested in pursuing higher education opportunities.

Environmental Engagement at Joy Primary School

As part of the week’s sustainability activities, Unicaf participated in a tree planting exercise at Joy Primary School in Kakuma 2.

The initiative brought together learners, educators, humanitarian partners, and community stakeholders in a collective effort to promote environmental awareness and climate resilience.

Participants planted fruit trees and indigenous species intended to support long-term environmental improvement and benefit the school community.

The activity also provided an opportunity for informal engagement between stakeholders working in the refugee response sector, reinforcing shared commitments to community wellbeing and sustainability.

World Refugee Day Solidarity Walk

World Refugee Week concluded with the World Refugee Day Solidarity Walk, a five-kilometre walk organised by humanitarian and development partners operating in Kakuma.

The walk brought together organisations including UNHCR, BOMA, WFP, DanChurchAid, GIZ, Village Enterprise, Danish Refugee Council, FilmAid Kenya, Refugee Consortium of Kenya, Turkana County Government, and Elimu Yetu Coalition, among others.

The event served as a public demonstration of solidarity with refugees and highlighted the collective commitment of participating organisations to improving access to protection, opportunity, and dignity.

Unicaf’s participation reinforced its ongoing focus on educational inclusion and its belief in the transformative power of higher education as a pathway to resilience and self-reliance.

Conclusion

Unicaf’s participation in World Refugee Week 2026 demonstrated the institution’s continued commitment to expanding access to education for vulnerable and displaced populations through direct community engagement, awareness campaigns, and scholarship outreach activities.

Through participation in public events, exhibitions, awareness sessions, and collaborative humanitarian activities, Unicaf strengthened its visibility within the refugee response ecosystem and reinforced its role as a provider of accessible, flexible, and internationally recognised higher education opportunities.

Aligned with the global theme “Until Everyone is Safe,” Unicaf remains committed to supporting individuals through education and ensuring that learning opportunities remain accessible to those who need them most, regardless of circumstance.

The workshop aimed to build the capacity of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), promote entrepreneurship and innovation, enhance access to finance and enterprise development support, and reinforce collaboration between Unicaf University and SMEDI. It also reflected Unicaf University’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and lifelong learning that responds directly to the needs of the business community.

The workshop featured three thematic sessions. The first highlighted SMEDI’s business development support services, followed by a panel discussion on building sustainable and competitive MSMEs in Malawi, with contributions from Unicaf University, NBS Bank, and SMEDI representatives. The second session, led by NBS Bank, focused on MSME financing solutions, digital banking services, savings, investment, and financial management, complemented by an interactive Q&A session and quiz. The final session, facilitated by Unicaf University, showcased higher education opportunities, flexible pathways, , and designed to support entrepreneurs and their teams.

Throughout the event, participants engaged with exhibition stands hosted by the three partner institutions, receiving one-on-one guidance on financial services, enterprise development support, and academic opportunities. These interactions provided practical insights into business growth strategies, access to funding, and skills development pathways.

The workshop attracted many participants, including MSME owners, youth entrepreneurs, women-led enterprises, and start-ups. By the conclusion of the event, attendees had gained valuable knowledge on accessing finance, strengthening business operations, leveraging enterprise support services, and exploring further education opportunities to enhance their professional and organisational growth.

The collaboration between Unicaf University, , and underscored a shared commitment to strengthening Malawi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. It further reinforced Unicaf University’s position as a leading provider of accessible, internationally accredited higher education that actively supports enterprise development, innovation, and lifelong learning beyond the traditional classroom.

The event brought together over 150 participants eager to deepen their understanding of investment opportunities within the capital markets and gain practical knowledge on wealth creation and financial security.

The lecture commenced with welcoming remarks from Master of Ceremonies, Ms Nancy Nkonde, who introduced participants to Unicaf University and its diverse range of . Dean of Health and Applied Sciences, Dr Clement Chela, officially welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of financial literacy in today’s dynamic economic environment before inviting the session facilitator, Ms Lyapa Mbewe, to lead the discussion.

During the interactive session, Ms Mbewe provided a comprehensive overview of bonds, shares, and collective investment schemes, explaining their role in personal and long-term wealth creation. She emphasised the importance of making informed investment decisions and equipping individuals with the knowledge needed to build financial resilience.

Participants actively engaged throughout the lecture, posing insightful questions and contributing to discussions on investment strategies, risk management, and wealth preservation. The high level of interest extended the session beyond its scheduled timeframe, with discussions continuing for more than four hours.

A key focus of the lecture was the concept of generational wealth and the importance of sustainable financial planning for future generations. Participants expressed keen interest in learning more about safe investment opportunities and practical approaches to building long-term financial security.

In his closing remarks, Dr Chela thanked Ms. Mbewe and the Money Acumen Advisory team for delivering an informative and impactful presentation. He also acknowledged the enthusiasm demonstrated by participants and expressed the University’s commitment to facilitating similar educational initiatives in the future.

“The overwhelming response to this lecture demonstrates the growing demand for financial literacy and investment education. We look forward to hosting additional sessions that will provide participants with further opportunities to expand their knowledge of capital markets and wealth creation,” said Dr Chela.

Attendees described the lecture as highly informative and valuable, with many requesting follow-up sessions to explore capital market topics in greater depth.

The success of the Capital Market Open Lecture reflects Unicaf University’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities through education, professional development, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that support personal and economic growth.

The agreement marks the beginning of a collaborative relationship between the two organisations, aimed at supporting shared interests in promoting access to quality higher education and expanding opportunities for academic development.

The MoU was formalised during the forum, which brought together representatives from the education, business, healthcare and financial sectors to explore areas of cooperation and development.

Representing Unicaf University, Dr Clement Chela, Dean of School of Health and Applied Sciences, addressed delegates on the transformative role of accessible, quality higher education in developing skilled professionals and supporting economic growth across the region.

During his presentation, Dr Chela highlighted Unicaf University’s flexible and learning model, which enables students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees while balancing their professional and personal commitments. He also emphasised the University’s , , and other academic , designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Dr Chellah further outlined how Unicaf’s opportunities help make internationally recognised higher education more affordable and accessible, allowing students to earn respected qualifications without the need to relocate.

The MoU between Unicaf University and Silver Lake Ventures reflects a mutual interest in supporting educational advancement and fostering collaboration in areas of common focus.