By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
A total of 113 scholars beneficiaries of the Equity Bank’s Equity Leadership Program (ELP) on Wednesday (August 14) secured admission and scholarships to join 71 global universities located in 22 countries around the world.
These were drawn from four countries including Kenya (82), Rwanda (21), Uganda (8) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (2). They have secured scholarships valued at Ksh.2,797,026,475 (USD 21,497,646) for the 4-year duration of their undergraduate studies. During this period, each scholar will receive an airlift token of Kshs. 200,000 to support their transition into the global universities.
The scholars were flagged off by Equity Group Foundation (EGF) Executive Chairman Dr. James Mwangi on Wednesday. He challenged the students to be agents of change, leveraging the knowledge, values and skills they will acquire to address Africa’s development challenges.
“As you embark on this journey, remember to stay adaptable and embrace every challenge with integrity. Embrace the journey ahead and be open to different cultures and perspectives, and let your unique qualities shine. Build strong networks and innovate to create lasting solutions for your community and invest in your ability to overcome challenges and find new approaches as this will be your greatest asset,” said Dr. Mwangi.
The scholars will be joining universities in different continents across the globe including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Dr. Mwangi stressed the vital role of scholars in propelling Africa’s socio-economic growth, particularly through the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP). This innovative, private sector-driven initiative, championed by the Equity Group, aims to achieve comprehensive social and economic transformation across the continent.
“By establishing your networks and contributing ideas and solutions on how to bolster Africa’s economic potential, you can grow trade and investment on the continent, you can expand markets and accelerate technology adoption to elevate our potential,” he said. “Your contributions will be instrumental in creating a more prosperous future for our continent.”
Furthermore, the EGF Executive Director emphasized the power of mentorship and urged the ELP beneficiaries to always remember making a difference in their communities.
“As you step into the world, understand that your true wealth lies in the positive impact you create. Your journey is not just about personal success; it’s about illuminating the paths for others. Build strong connections, share your knowledge, and give back to your community, letting your experiences abroad broaden their horizons and also inspire those behind you to create lasting change. Remember, you carry the hopes and dreams of your family and country,” said Dr. Mwangi.
Speaking during the Airlift Ceremony, Garang Makech Kuol, an ELP Scholar joining Bowdoin University, USA, to study Computer Science noted, “The support network I found within Equity during my ELP journey has been instrumental to my success. There were times when doubt crept in, but the unwavering belief of the people around me pushed me forward. The Equity team’s encouragement was like a steady hand guiding me through challenging moments and its incredible to think about how my life has transformed from the adversity of a refugee camp to securing my place at a world-class university. This journey would not have been possible without the support system that Equity has provided.” Garang grew up at the Kakuma Refugee Camp, he later joined Baringo Boys High School where he scored an A of 82 points.
Evelyn Wahu Gathara an ELP Scholar, joining Harvard University, USA, to study Computer Science said, “In 2018, I sat for my KCPE, emerging as the top girl in my sub-county, and joined Alliance Girls High School. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I wondered why Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca weren’t producing vaccines faster. That’s when my dream was born: “I have to work at Pfizer.” I also asked, “Why can’t we develop vaccines in Kenya?” I knew I had to make a change. At KCSE, I scored 84 and joined the Equity Leaders Program, interning at Equity Bank Kenyatta University Branch. My advice to fellow scholars: let’s use our brains to help our communities. This opportunity should inspire us to do more for our country and people.” Evelyn emerged as the best Girl in the Country in the 2022 K.C.S.E exams.
Other scholars, including Haruna Lubwama, Irene Amanya, Francis Ocen, Jackie Bakko, Trevor Egaru, and Ruth, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to pursue higher education at foreign universities through the Equity Leaders Program (ELP). They collectively pledged to leverage this scholarship to drive positive change in their home country, vowing to channel their knowledge and skills into innovative and productive solutions that would make a meaningful impact.
A total of 970 students have successfully received admission to prestigious universities on fully funded scholarships. This intake includes 13 students who will be joining Ivy League Universities including: Brown University (1), Columbia University (1), Harvard University (4), Princeton University (2), Cornell (1), University of Pennsylvania (4).
