The HALI Indaba 2025 Opens in Kenya!

The HALI Indaba, an annual gathering of the HALI Access Network, officially started on September 7, 2025, in Naivasha, Kenya, and will run through September 11 at the picturesque Sawela Lodges.

The HALI Indaba is a premier professional gathering for educational non-profit member-organizations, schools, admissions officers, and access-focused stakeholders who are committed to supporting High-Achieving, Low-Income (HALI) students across Africa in their pursuit of quality tertiary education, to contribute to the development of the continent. The Indaba serves as a vital platform for professional development, connection-building, and collective advocacy toward greater educational inclusion and access for young African dreamers. This year's theme is “Rooted in Purpose: Building Hope Through Education and Action.”

Lum Blessing

Representing Open Dreams at the gathering is its team member and Fundraising Manager, Lum Blessing, who also serves as the Regional Program Coordinator for the North West, a Region pivotal to the flourishing of Open Dreams.

Previously hosted in Rwanda (2024), Zambia (2023), and Kenya (2022), the HALI Indaba has consistently encouraged powerful conversations, ranging from student support strategies to alumni impact and vital university partnerships. The network has been a catalyst to the growth of Open Dreams, enabling more Cameroonians to access pathways to top universities across the globe on full-ride opportunities.

This year’s gathering continues the tradition, offering an opportunity for HALI member organizations and partners to reflect, share strategies, learn from each other, and work collaboratively toward expanding access to higher education for Africa's most promising but underserved students.