Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has no doubt brought about change to numerous African communities with their scholarship awards to bright yet financially challenged youths. The initiative aims to provide access to quality education to these young Africans, with the goal of influencing positive change in their communities. For years, these scholarships have supported and impacted lives in various positive ways.
In this article, we’ll explore 5 inspiring stories of Mastercard Foundation Scholars making a significant difference in their communities. From Uganda to Kenya and beyond, we’ll delve into the various initiatives and strategies that have contributed to change on the continent.
1. Emma Mugisha- Uganda
Emma Mugisha, an alumnus of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Uganda, has contributed significantly to the education sector in her community. Emma’s passion for education inspired her to create the “Feed the Kids” initiative, which aims to provide breakfast for children attending primary schools in her community. Through the initiative, over 200 children have benefited from a healthy breakfast, thus improving their academic performance and reducing the level of absenteeism.
2. Peter Siocha- Kenya
Peter Siocha, a scholarship recipient of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, is making a difference in his community through sports. Peter founded the Silicon Savannah Football Club, which provides opportunities for youth in slum communities to engage in football. Peter believes that sports can be used as a tool for change and development in communities, and his initiative is creating a positive impact in his area.
3. Grace Ngabirano- Uganda
Grace Ngabirano, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, is passionate about entrepreneurship and community development. Upon graduating, she returned to Uganda to start her business, Grace Pads, aimed at producing affordable, re-usable sanitary pads for underprivileged girls. The initiative supports the education of young girls in Uganda, reducing absenteeism and increasing their overall confidence levels.
4. Peter Mumo- Kenya
Peter Mumo, an alumnus of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University, Canada, returned to Kenya and founded Young Energy Savers, an initiative aimed at promoting renewable energy and environmental conservation in rural communities. Peter believes that massive adoption of renewable energy will lead to the creation of job opportunities and an overall improvement in the standard of living.
5. Mohammed Rebaie- Tunisia
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University has had positive impacts on communities beyond the African continent. One such recipient, Mohammed Rebaie from Tunisia, is currently working on an initiative aimed at providing online psychological support to individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative provides free counseling and mental health support to people in Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco.
Conclusion
Mastercard Foundation Scholars are making positive changes in their communities, and these five stories serve as a testament to that. These individuals display passion, creativity, and tenacity in tackling some of the most pressing issues facing communities in Africa and beyond. The Mastercard Foundation should be commended for its investments in education, which are generating significant impacts in communities across Africa.
(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)