A total of 98 scholars under the Equity Leaders Program (ELP) have secured admission and scholarships to esteemed global universities spanning 18 countries. The initiative, spearheaded by Equity Group Foundation (EGF) Executive Chairman Dr. James Mwangi, has provided a transformative path for scholars hailing from Kenya, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Uganda.
Totaling Kshs. 2.44 billion (USD 17,116,817), these scholarships will support the scholars throughout their four-year undergraduate journeys. EGF has gone a step further by offering each beneficiary an airlift token of up to Kshs. 200,000, facilitating their transition to international campuses.
The Equity Leaders Program, known for its paid-internship scheme, has not only facilitated academic pursuits but has also nurtured holistic growth through EGF’s Education and Leadership Development pillar. A comprehensive two-month college counseling program equipped scholars with skills in essay writing, university selection, and admission exam strategies. Additionally, a week-long camp bolstered their preparedness for the transformational journey ahead.
Addressing the scholars during a celebratory event, Dr. James Mwangi commended their determination and resourcefulness in securing funding for world-class education. He emphasized their role as global citizens, urging them to leverage their education to propel Africa’s development. Notably, the scholars will be joining prominent institutions worldwide, spanning countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, China, India, and the United Arab Emirates.
The Equity Group’s commitment to the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP) was highlighted by Dr. Mwangi. He underscored the importance of technology-enabled ecosystems and their potential to address Africa’s challenges through innovation. Dr. Mwangi’s advice was fortified by statistics indicating that ELP Global Alumni have excelled in tech, consulting, finance, and social entrepreneurship roles, contributing significantly to job creation and the ARRP’s objectives.
Jok Magok Kuch, a scholar from the Kakuma Refugee camp, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to join the University of Toronto. “Equity’s mission has transformed me,” he noted, vowing to utilize his education to impact Africa positively. Similarly, Zeddy Kipyegon, enrolling at New York University, Abu Dhabi, attributed her transformation to the “Wings To Fly” and ELP programs.
This year’s admission success brings the total number of scholars benefiting from EGF’s college counseling to 856. Notably, 14 scholars secured spots in prestigious Ivy League Universities, further underscoring the program’s excellence.
The Equity Leaders Program, a brainchild of the Equity Group Foundation established in 1998, seeks to cultivate leadership skills in promising youth. Handpicked from Equity Group banking subsidiaries, these scholars are poised to become a formidable force, driving sustainable economic growth across borders and sectors.