In September of 2015, Julian Lennon launched The Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for girls in honour of his late mother. Since its inception, through TWFF campaigns, individual donor campaigns and auctions that featured items from Cynthia’s personal collection, 43 girls have received scholarships. Read more about their journeys below.
Connect to Learn — Kenya
The first group of 20 girls awarded The Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls were part of the Connect to Learn program in Sauri, Kenya. That initiative began in response to the drop in attendance that was evident for girls advancing from primary school (where 84% were enrolled) to secondary school (where the percentage plummeted to 48%). The scholarship recipients had their educational experience transformed by participating in this program, which provided them practical training in tailoring, baking, event planning and the creation of home décor products. Learn more about these students here.
Cura Orphanage — Kenya
The next 15 scholarships were awarded to young girls at the Cura Orphanage in Kenya. The orphanage was founded in response to the children left behind in a Nairobi village that was devastated by the AIDS epidemic. As the orphanage evolved beyond providing shelter, it expanded to include a computer lab and library as well as educational support to send its young residents to boarding and day schools within the region. The scholarship recipients received career counseling and had their educational expenses (including transportation and school fees) covered so they did not have to work to earn this money, which could have shifted focus away from their studies. Learn more about these students here.
Bold.org —The United States of America
In 2021, The Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls partnered with Bold.org to expand the scholarship offering to American students. With a focus on art, to honour Cynthia’s path as an artist, over 1200 applicants submitted their interpretations of “Conserve Life” through drawings, paintings and photography. Julian Lennon selected two winners from these entries based on their creations, and each was awarded a scholarship to pursue artistic endeavours. Learn more about these students here.
Cura Orphanage — Kenya
After academic activity had halted as a result of the global pandemic in 2020, the girls at Cura Orphanage were eager to return to their studies. With the re-opening of high schools and colleges, the scholarships provided to six girls enabled them the tuition to return and the incidental expenses needed to thrive. Learn more about these students here.
Make a difference in the lives of young girls by supporting The Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls. Make a direct donation to the fund today or bid on items in The Cynthia Lennon Birthday Auction, which happens Sept. 2 — 10.
Thank you for keeping us updated on the progress of the girls. Amazing. Much love to you all. Hélène.
This is wonderful, Julian. Your mother would be so proud of what you are achieving here. Opening up opportunities for these youngsters is admirable.
💙 The positive impact of The Cynthia Lennon Foundation for Girls is greater than you’ll ever know.