Giving to the future of Africa
This program was established by Minnesota donors, El and Barb Schefers. Their parents’ struggle through the Great Depression taught them to work hard and save money for an unknown future. El was the first in his family to complete a college degree – with the help of a student loan. The dream of making a better life and eventually sharing their financial blessings came true after years of hard work.
El is well into his retirement now, but for more than 20 years has been helping Daystar students in Kenya realize their dreams of obtaining a university degree. Over the years El and Barb have contributed to the general scholarship fund and supported targeted students to help those needy individuals through their undergraduate degrees. Recently, they established the Schefers Student Loan Program (first non-governmental loan program in Kenya) to assist students who need help to complete their education. Current students who are in the loan program are working on undergraduate, masters and doctorate degrees. Students who already have some life experience will be able to get a decent job soon after graduating and therefore are poised to be able to repay once they have procured a good job.
Many people in East Africa face economic hardships. It’s challenging to make ends meet and still get quality higher education in Kenya. This is why these kinds of programs are so important.
The Schefers Loan Program has the following components:
Loans have a low-interest rate designed to help students pay them back after graduation.
Recipients are approved by the Daystar Financial Aid Department; criteria include students with essential need and performance reviews to help ensure success.
Because loans are paid back, funds are available to help other students.
Funds contributed to this program become available for loans as interest is earned on the fund and when matched by local donations in Kenya.
The program match opportunity is available to U.S. partners who would like their donation to go further.
El and Barb would like to continue benefiting the students of Daystar University for many more years to come. You are invited to join them as they offer low-interest loans to diligent students at Daystar University.
If you are inclined to match either a Daystar scholarship or a Schefers Loan and would like your donation to be matched, please contact us. Reply to this email or use the button below, in the project designation, choose DU Scholarship Loan Program.