For every student we train, 4 more are asking to join. And we’re out of seats.
Creative Gateway students honing digital skills in Kakuma.
They’ve seen their friends get hired. Now they want in.
But we’re maxed out.
Since we launched this program, we've been blown away by how much interest there is in 3D modeling in Kakuma. With every new cohort, we've seen more curiosity, more eager youth ready to learn, and more success stories proving this program really works.
So when we opened applications for Cohort IV in March, we figured we’d see the usual—a steady increase, maybe a few more applications than last time.
But oh boy, we were in for a surprise!
More youth applied for Cohort IV than any cohort before it—by a huge margin.
It was a record-breaking turnout that blew past every expectation we had.
Why?
Because word has spread.
Youth in Kakuma aren’t just hearing about 3D modeling—they’re seeing it change lives right in front of them.
They’ve seen their friends go from learning Blender to actually landing freelance gigs.
They’ve watched past graduates start earning, gaining financial independence, and proving that this isn’t just a skill—it’s a career path.
They know this works. And now, they want in.
The demand is undeniable.
One of our Creative Gateway students in Kakuma Refugee Camp working on a 3D model at the digital skills hub.
How we took our message further—and reached more Kakuma youth than ever
When we opened applications for Cohort IV, we knew demand was high. But we also knew something else:
If we wanted to reach the youth who needed this program the most, we couldn’t just sit back and wait.
We had to meet them where they were.
We had to make them see that this was real.
We had to show them that 3D modeling wasn’t just for “other people”—it was for them.
Here’s how we did it:
1.Local partners in Kakuma stepped up—and helped us go bigger than ever
We teamed up with reputable organizations on the ground—like Don Bosco and Jesuit Refugee Service—who were already working with youth in Kakuma.
And their impact? Massive.
They helped us spread the word far beyond our usual reach.
They connected us with young people who would have never found out about the program otherwise.
They made sure the right message reached the right people—the ones who needed it most.
For many youth, this was the first time they realized: “Wait, I can actually do this?”
And once that realization hit? They showed up.
Creative Gateway graduate from Kakuma Refugee Camp delivering a speech
2.Our past students are the Creative Gateway Program’s biggest advocates
Here’s the thing: It’s one thing to hear about an opportunity. It’s another thing entirely to hear it from someone who’s actually been through it.
That’s why we didn’t just rely on advertisements. We sent our graduates—real success stories—back into the community to talk about what this program had done for them.
For instance, OJ, one of our very first graduates from cohort 1, went from learning 3D modeling to becoming a facilitator.
OJ didn’t just tell people about the program—he proved what was possible.
He stood in community forums and even youth parliament sessions, showing young people in his community what was within their reach.
He talked about how freelancing had changed his life. He showed them how they could start earning too.
He made them believe.
And when young people in Kakuma see someone who looks like them, comes from their community, and has built something for themselves?
They don’t just listen. They believe it can happen for them too.
And that? That changed everything.
Creative Gateway students at Kakuma Refugee Camp focused on 3D modelling at their computer.
From 70 to 300+ Applications: demand is surging, but we’re still turning most away
If you ever doubted that refugee youth want digital skills, here’s the data to prove it:
Cohort I: Around 70 applicants → 20 selected
Cohort II: Around 150 applicants → Fewer than 40 selected
Cohort III: Around 200 applicants → Fewer than 40 selected
Cohort IV (2025): Just over 300 applicants → Only 20 selected
And yet, even after all those applications, we’ve been forced to select fewer than 40 youth each time.
This year? Only 20.
Let that sink in.
Not because they weren’t good enough. Not because they weren’t ready. But because we simply don’t have the space to support more.
Every new graduate needs somewhere to keep working—somewhere to access tools, stable internet, mentorship, and community. And right now, our hub can’t stretch any further.
So when the cohort grows, we can’t just add students—we also have to protect the runway for the ones who’ve already graduated.
That means saying “no” to talented, ready youth… not because they don’t deserve a shot, but because there’s literally no room.
And that hurts. Every time.
And what about laptops?
Two Creative Gateway students in Kakuma Refugee Camp collaborating on a 3D modelling project, sharing a laptop as part of their digital skills training in Kenya.
Thanks to generous support, we do have laptops!
So what’s the problem?
What we don’t have is a fast, reliable way to get them from Europe to Kakuma.
By the time a donated laptop reaches Kakuma, another cohort has already begun—and more students are stuck waiting, watching, and hoping.
Here’s why this matters:
🔸 Every delay keeps students waiting. Without equipment, talented youth are stuck on the sidelines, missing out on skills, practice, and paid work.
🔸 Freelancers can’t earn if their tools are in transit. Once students graduate, they’re ready to work—but they need consistent access to a laptop to take on jobs, meet deadlines, and build their freelance careers.
🔸 Momentum is everything. We’ve worked hard to build trust with students, partners, and the community. But long delays risk slowing everything down.
That’s why this isn’t just a resourcing issue. It’s a logistics challenge. One that’s stalling real potential.
We’re currently working with UNHCR to support the shipment process, but international logistics take time—and that’s what we’re running out of.
How you can help?
✅ Know someone in logistics or global supply chain operations?
Your network could help us move equipment faster and smarter.
✅ Work with an organization already transporting goods to Kenya or Kakuma?
Let’s collaborate—shared cargo space could mean more youth trained.
✅ Willing to help cover shipping, customs, or last-mile delivery costs?
Your support could be the final link between a donated laptop and a student’s first freelance job.
✅ Have laptops to donate, but don’t know how to get them here?
We’re building a system that makes it easier. Reach out, and we’ll connect the dots.
Every piece of generosity counts.
And together, we can move faster—because talent shouldn’t sit on a waitlist while tools sit in storage.
As the demand keeps rising—your support & funding can help us train more youth in Kakuma
We’ve built something incredible.
We have the students—driven, hungry to learn, ready to work.
We have the trainers—skilled mentors and facilitators guiding them every step of the way.
We have proof of concept—graduates who started with nothing and are now earning through freelancing.
And it doesn’t stop there.
We also have a hub where students can work, collaborate, and freelance.
A peek inside our Digital Skills lab in Kakuma.
We have a thriving community where young people feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow.
Just think about it: if this many students applied this time, what will Cohort V look like?
We don’t just need to keep up—we need to ensure that every student who wants to learn gets a chance
And this? This is where your CSR budget can make a real, measurable difference.
With your support:
It means we don’t have to turn away talented, driven youth who are ready to learn—just because we don’t have enough resources.
It means more graduates moving from learners to earners—fully prepared to take on projects, secure freelance jobs, and build independent careers.
It means shifting from just training students to creating a self-sustaining cycle of opportunity, where today’s learners become tomorrow’s mentors.
The results are real—10X income, 100X impact. Let’s grow it!
As you can see, the demand is growing. The talent is here. The only missing piece is YOU.
We’re already making an impact, but we can do even more with the right partners.
If you want to be part of this, let’s connect:
Email our Project Lead, Vincent, at: vincent@ambitiousafrica.org
Have questions about the program? Ask us here: Creative Gateway Contact Page
The future of work is evolving—let’s ensure refugee youth in Africa aren’t left out!
Text by: Freddie Ngunju
Only 16% of 3D artists are women— even fewer come from refugee camps. So how did Zuwena beat the odds to land paid 3D modeling gigs from Europe?
Zuwena Hussein.
In 2024, female 3D modelers are still a rare sight in the industry. Hard to believe?
Here’s the reality: According to Zippia, out of 5,436 3D artists working in the United States, only 16.1% are women. The other 83.9%? Men.
Now, think about that for a moment. In a country where technology and education are within reach for most, women are still vastly underrepresented.
So what does that mean for refugee women in places like Kakuma Refugee Camp?
Zuwena listening keenly during a 3D modelling training session.
In Kakuma, the challenges stack up fast—especially if you're a young woman dreaming of a career in 3D modeling.
Picture this: you’re in a place where electricity is as unpredictable as the weather, the internet is a rare luxury, and the idea of ‘higher education’ feels like something out of a far-off fantasy. Just getting your hands on a computer is a victory in itself.
But it doesn’t stop there.
For many women in Kakuma, life is a constant juggling act—taking care of family, handling household chores, and trying to carve out a future in a place where opportunities are few and far between.
And then, imagine wanting to step into a field like 3D modeling, where men dominate and tech know-how is key. It seems almost impossible, right?
The barriers are everywhere—limited resources, cultural norms that don’t always support women’s ambitions, and a world that’s quick to underestimate what they can do.
Yet, despite these seemingly insurmountable odds, there are women like Zuwena.
Zuwena’s life before the creative gateway:
In a place where so many obstacles could have held her back, Zuwena saw them as challenges to overcome.
Imagine being 19 years old and the fifth of 12 siblings, living in a refugee camp far from your homeland. This has been Zuwena Hussein’s reality since 2009, when she and her family arrived in Kakuma Refugee Camp after fleeing Burundi.
Settling into the camp came with its own set of challenges. With Zuwena’s parents unable to secure formal employment, the responsibility to support the family falls on everyone who can contribute.
Picture a household where every member who can work takes on any job they can find—small trades, odd jobs, anything that might help put food on the table. With such limited opportunities, even the smallest tasks can become crucial lifelines.
After high school, Zuwena was left staring at a blank future. She’d finished her studies, but with no clear path forward, her days began to blur together. Her days were a waiting game, filled with uncertainty about how to move forward and where to find the next opportunity.
For Zuwena, the struggle wasn’t just about finding a job—it was about finding a way to make her dreams come true while supporting her family.
Her downtime felt like a heavy weight, pressing down on her and fueling her determination to find something that could change her life and her family’s. She knew she had the potential; she just needed a chance to show it.
In Kakuma, where opportunities are often few and far between, staying hopeful requires more than just dreaming big; it means keeping your ear to the ground for any chance to break free from the cycle of waiting.
That’s why when the Creative Gateway began recruiting its first cohort of students, Zuwena was among the first to jump at the chance.
She didn't just join; she threw herself into it with everything she had. Every class she attended was a step closer to her dreams. And soon enough, her hard work paid off—within months, she was landing her first remote gig.
Paid 3D modelling remote gig #1: From Training to Real-World 3D Modeling
The Opportunity:
For Zuwena, who had just graduated from her training, this project was an exciting leap into the professional world.
“I had so many doubts before starting my first assignment. What if my work wasn’t good enough? But deep down, I knew I had to try.”
- Zuwena
The Assignment brief: Designing a photorealistic weaved chair and its table
Zuwena’s first assignment was to design a photorealistic weaved chair and table for an individual client. Initially, the task of capturing the intricate texture of the woven chair felt overwhelming. However, after discussing with her client, she focused on the table instead, adding a box lamp on top.
The outcome:
Photorealistic 3D-rendered woven table created by Zuwena.
This project was her debut into the professional 3D modeling world, testing her precision and creativity in translating a detailed design into a realistic model. For Zuwena, it was a a major opportunity to showcase her skills and establish her place in the industry.
Compensation:
From this project, Zuwena earned 2,500 Kenyan Shillings, roughly €18. This marked her first income from skills she had only recently begun to learn, giving her a significant confidence boost and providing essential financial support as she continued to develop her career.
Client’s comments:
"Knowing Zuwena was just starting out and coming from a challenging background, I expected to be a bit flexible with the project. I treated this as a chance for her to learn and grow, so I kept my instructions as clear and simple as possible. Zuwena was very receptive to feedback and followed the directions well. It’s great to see her progress and put in the effort to make this work."
— Client, Business owner
Paid 3D modelling remote gig #2: A Breakthrough with Studio Exakt
The Opportunity:
Zuwena's talent caught the eye of Studio Exakt, a top-notch design firm on the lookout for fresh talent to spark their next big ideas. Partnering with our students was a no-brainer for them—especially since Studio Exakt had already been instrumental in shaping our very first 3D modeling course.
The Assignment brief: Designing a 3D model of a part of a vending machine for Studio Exakt.
Zuwena took on an intriguing challenge: designing a 3D model of a part of a vending machine for Studio Exakt. Her role was to craft a detailed and functional component, which the company would then bring to life with 3D printing and texturing.
As Zuwena puts it:
“My work was to model the part of the vending machine. The company will handle the 3D printing and texturing, so this isn't the final result. I’m still waiting to see the finished product and understand how it all comes together.”
The outcome:
3D-rendered vending machine part by Zuwena Hussein, a 3D modeling student at Kakuma Refugee Camp
Zuwena’s work on the vending machine project quickly became her favorite. The task was both challenging and time-consuming, stretching her skills in ways she hadn’t anticipated. But the result was a 3D model that not only met but exceeded expectations.
Beyond the impressive paycheck, which was more than she had hoped for, Zuwena gained invaluable experience. Working alongside seasoned 3D modelers like Isac Lindberg and the Studio Exakt team, she picked up numerous tips and tricks that enriched her skills and boosted her confidence.
Zuwena’s two-week gig with Studio Exakt earned her 200 euros, a figure that was a game-changer for her. To put it in perspective, this amount was at least six times more than what she typically made in a month before.
This income didn’t just provide a welcome financial boost; it helped ease the daily struggles of life in Kakuma Refugee Camp. With this money, Zuwena could invest in better resources for her work and education, making a real difference in her family’s life and fueling her pride and sense of achievement.
Paid remote gig #3: Zuwena 's leap into the Metaverse with XR Presence
The Opportunity:
Zuwena’s third gig was with XR Presence, a company well-known for hiring freelancers, and this time, she was stepping into the future. The challenge? To create something that wouldn’t just occupy physical space but would come to life in a digital universe where imagination merges with cutting-edge technology.
The Assignment Brief: Turning a chair into a metaverse marvel
Zuwena was asked to design a 3D model of a sleek designer chair—a project that challenged her to move beyond traditional design and explore the endless possibilities of the metaverse.
The outcome:
3D-rendered office chair designed by Zuwena, a Creative Gateway Program at Kakuma Refugee Camp.
Reflecting on her journey with a hint of humor, Zuwena confessed:
"I’ll admit, I didn’t know much about the metaverse at first, so I did some research. But after figuring it out, I worked hard, and in the end, I really liked how the design turned out."
- Zuwena
Compensation:
For this gig, Zuwena earned €50. In the context of Kakuma, where every bit helps, this amount supported her ongoing education and contributed to her family’s needs. It was another step forward in her journey, demonstrating that even smaller projects can make a meaningful impact.
Zuwena’s personal 3D modelling projects
In addition to her paid gigs, Zuwena has been working hard on her own personal projects to keep improving her skills and build a strong portfolio. She knows that in the world of 3D modeling, you have to stand out to succeed, so she’s taking extra steps to push herself further beyond what she learned in the classroom.
By taking on these personal projects in addition to her ongoing paid gigs, Zuwena isn’t just honing her existing skills—she’s actively learning new techniques, experimenting with different styles, and pushing herself with fresh, creative ideas.
This dedication to growth and innovation highlights her commitment to the craft and signals to creative agencies and clients alike that she’s ready for new challenges and capable of delivering high-quality results.
Important to Remember: €1-15 in Kakuma means much more than you think!
At first glance, the earnings—around €1 to €15 per hour—might not sound like much. To someone on the outside, this might even seem insignificant, especially in a world where higher salaries are often associated with success.
But here’s the thing: just six months ago, Zuwena and many of our other graduates had zero income. They were living in a camp where the average monthly income for a refugee is less than $1.50 per day. Now, they’re making in one hour what many in the camp might not make in a week.
That’s a powerful shift.
Please note that earning around €1 to €15 per hour is also in line with what the average beginner earns on platforms like Upwork, where most new freelancers start at a similar range.
In Kakuma’s context, $10 goes a long way. Let’s put this into perspective. This income allows our graduates to provide for their families, invest in their education, and perhaps most importantly, gain a sense of independence and dignity. Every euro or dollar earned is a step toward a brighter, more sustainable future for them and their communities.
Earning € 10 per hour on Upwork or from an individual client isn’t just a wage. It’s proof that our program works.
It’s evidence that the skills learned in the Creative Gateway program are practical, marketable, and in demand. This student is no longer reliant on humanitarian aid. They’re becoming self-sufficient, one project at a time.
Zuwena assisting new 3D modelling students of the Creative Gateway Program.
Why This should matters to our donors & partners:
To our donors and supporters: your contributions make this possible. Every hour this student works is a testament to the value of the investment you’ve made. The program isn’t just about teaching 3D modeling—it’s about opening doors that were once closed. It’s about providing access to the global economy for some of the world’s most marginalized youth.
So when we talk about earnings, remember that the impact goes far beyond the euro/dollar amount. These students are rewriting their futures. And thanks to you, they’re not just learning skills—they’re applying them in ways that change their lives.
And as Zuwena continues to build her portfolio and sharpen her skills, her earning potential will only grow. With time, experience, and a proven track record, she could start commanding higher rates, moving beyond the beginner tier into more competitive and lucrative opportunities.
Zuwena Hussein and her 3D modeling classmates at Kakuma Refugee Camp
Hire Zuwena for your next 3d modelling project:
If you are a 3D modeling expert, industry professional, or mentor willing to support our cause, please reach out to us at vincent@ambitiousafrica.org.
Your guidance and projects will allow Zuwena to continue earning online, giving her the financial stability to support herself and her family in a camp where opportunities are scarce. A steady income will also empower Zuwena to invest in her education, access better resources, and pave the way for a future where she can rise above the limitations of her environment.
Text by: Freddie Ngunju
Would You Bet on Refugees? The Creative Gateway graduates are proving it’s the smartest investment you’ll ever make!
3D modelling students of the Creative Gateway holding up their certificates.
What if we told you the next big tech disruptor or creative visionary wasn’t sitting in a high-rise office in Silicon Valley—but in a refugee camp?
Would you believe us?
Too often, the conversation about refugees is framed by deficit—what they need, what they lack, or the weight of their struggles.
It’s a narrative that strips away their potential, leaving untold stories of resilience, brilliance, and possibility buried under layers of misplaced pity or skepticism.
But something extraordinary has been happening in Kakuma Refugee Camp and we’re proud to be leading the charge.
In a place where challenges seem insurmountable, a new kind of transformation has been taking root. Refugees in Kakuma are no longer just waiting for handouts—they are building their futures, one skill, one project, and one success story at a time.
As our Project Lead Vincent so aptly put it:
"This future work model and online opportunities have been a talking point for long, and a few freelancing projects have been set up in the past in Africa. But when we came to Kakuma, for example, we tried to look for youth that had utilized these online opportunities, and we found only one or two. And they had done only a few gigs ever. They definitely were not, in terms of technical or soft skills, on the level that they could do it consistently. That was the kind of level we started off with."
This was the reality we stepped into: a space where the potential was immense, but the tools and opportunities to unlock it were practically nonexistent.
There was no blueprint, no existing roadmap for success in a context like Kakuma. But what we saw was clear: untapped talent, resilience, and the drive to build something better.
So, we rolled up our sleeves and started from scratch. Here’s how we did it:
Step 1: Identifying the gaps and choosing 3D modeling
Before diving in, we first had to decide which skills would have the most transformative impact. The decision to focus on 3D modeling was not made lightly—it was the result of careful observation, market research, and an understanding of the unique opportunities it could provide.
Market Demand Analysis
We began by researching industries with high demand for freelancers, particularly those with low entry barriers and opportunities for growth. 3D modeling stood out as a rapidly growing field, with applications in gaming, animation, architecture, and product design.
Global Opportunities
3D modeling aligned perfectly with the future-of-work model, allowing individuals in remote settings like Kakuma to tap into international markets without requiring significant local infrastructure.
Participant Interest
When we spoke to the youth in Kakuma, we noticed their enthusiasm for creative and visual projects. Many of them were already talented at drawing or design but had no idea that these passions could translate into income-generating opportunities like 3D modeling.
Untapped Potential
While freelancing platforms were already hosting 3D modeling gigs, very few people from Kakuma—or even other parts of Africa—were competing in this space. This meant our graduates could enter a relatively underserved market with the right training.
Step 2: Laying the foundation
Laying the groundwork wasn’t just about teaching new skills—it was about creating an ecosystem where talent could flourish. This involved:
Skill Assessment
We began by identifying where each participant was starting from. For some, there was a basic understanding of computers; for others, even turning on a laptop was a new experience. This assessment helped us meet each individual where they were and design a program that ensured everyone could thrive—not only in 3D modeling but in the broader world of freelancing.
But the gaps weren’t just technical.
Many participants also lacked crucial soft skills: client communication, project management, and, perhaps most significantly, confidence in their abilities.
Access to tools
Opportunities mean little without access. To bridge the digital divide, we provided laptops, stable internet, and a safe, functional workspace in our container hub.
These tools weren’t luxuries—they were the keys to unlocking participation in the global economy. The hub became more than just a physical space; it was a symbol of possibility, a place where the journey from refugee to professional could truly begin.
Mindset shift
From the very first day, we emphasized one crucial idea: you belong on the global stage. This program wasn’t just about teaching technical skills—it was about helping participants see themselves as competitors and collaborators in the world’s most dynamic industries. It was about cultivating a mindset of ownership and resilience, replacing doubt with belief and hesitation with ambition.
Step 3: Mastering the craft
Technical training begins
Once the foundation was laid, we shifted focus to the heart of the program: equipping participants with advanced technical skills while ensuring they had the confidence and discipline to deliver high-quality work. This was where the real transformation began to take shape.
Participants were introduced to industry-standard software like Blender and learned to create professional-grade designs. The training wasn’t just theoretical; it was hands-on, with participants working on real-world projects and assignments that mirrored the expectations of international clients.
Soft skills for freelancing
We didn’t stop at technical training. The reality of freelancing demands more than just hard skills—it requires the ability to market oneself, communicate effectively with clients, and manage time and expectations.
Practical Experience
Learning by doing was a cornerstone of this phase. Participants were tasked with delivering real projects, simulating the freelancing experience. They faced tight deadlines, received constructive feedback, and refined their skills in a supportive but challenging environment. This hands-on experience was key to preparing them for the realities of the global marketplace.
Mentorship and Guidance
To accelerate their growth, we introduced mentorship opportunities, pairing participants with professionals who had experience in freelancing and 3D modeling. These mentors offered guidance, shared industry insights, and helped participants develop a growth-oriented mindset.
Milestones and Wins
Throughout this phase, we celebrated small victories—completed projects, improved designs, or mastering a new tool. These milestones reinforced participants’ belief in their abilities and gave them the confidence to take on more significant challenges.
Step 4: Graduation – The the reward for hard work
After months of focused training, skill-building, and overcoming challenges, our graduates reached the final step: graduation. It was a moment of pride, not just for the graduates, but for everyone involved in their journey.
This was the culmination of everything they'd learned: from technical skills like 3D modeling to the soft skills required to succeed in the freelance world. Graduation was the moment they officially became freelancers, ready to step into the global workforce and show the world what they were capable of. For many, it marked a brand new beginning, with a portfolio to showcase their work, the confidence to take on clients, and the drive to continue learning.
Graduation wasn’t the end of their journey—it was the start of something bigger.
The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every step.
This is what excites us the most: seeing youth who once struggled to complete even a single gig now thriving as consistent freelancers, building sustainable careers, and breaking the cycle of dependency.
Investing in refugee talent from Kakuma is more than just doing good—it’s a smart business move.
Our graduates have gained real skills in 3D modeling and freelancing, but also developed key abilities like problem-solving, adaptability, and the ability to think on their feet, all shaped by their unique life experiences. These skills make them ready to deliver results from day one.
Companies hiring them aren’t just filling a position—they’re bringing in hard-working, self-driven individuals eager to contribute. By investing in them, companies gain access to a diverse and talented workforce that brings fresh perspectives and new solutions to the table. It’s a win for everyone.
The talented young people we work with are eager to prove themselves in the global job market, but they need the right opportunities to show what they can do. By partnering with us, you’re not only gaining highly motivated and skilled individuals, but you’re also helping to open doors that have long been closed to these young refugees.
This is more than just hiring – it’s about providing a chance for them to build a future, while also benefiting your company with fresh, diverse talent.
Reach out today at vincent@ambitiousafrica.org. and let’s discuss how we can work together to create opportunities that matter.