1,644 Kenyan Students Awarded Equity Wings to Fly Scholarships, Emphasizing Mentorship

The Equity Group Foundation has awarded 1,644 students in Kenya's Rift Valley region with Equity Wings to Fly scholarships.

The program, led by James Mwangi, not only provides financial support for the students' secondary education but also stresses the importance of mentorship and support beyond the classroom.

Among the beneficiaries is Lydia Esimit, an orphan from a family of six, who says the program restored hope when her dreams were threatened by her poor background. Another recipient, S.M. Baraka, a refugee at Kakuma camp, credits the scholarship for giving him the opportunity to attend Starehe Boys Centre and pursue his goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.

The mentorship component aims to engage the students, instill values and confidence, and help them develop leadership skills by exposing them to successful leaders in society. In Turkana County, 398 students were equipped with life skills as part of the program's effort to develop leaders who can make a positive impact in the community.

Why this matters: The Equity Wings to Fly scholarship program is empowering underprivileged students in Kenya by providing them with not just financial support, but also vital mentorship and life skills training. By investing in these students' holistic development, the program is nurturing future leaders who can drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

Stanley Nganga, Equity Bank's Rift Valley General Manager, emphasized the bank's expectation that the scholars will excel in their education, uphold good values, and become role models to their peers. The Equity Wings to Fly program demonstrates the power of combining financial support with mentorship to unlock the potential of promising students from disadvantaged backgrounds and equip them with the tools to succeed.

Key Takeaways

• Equity Group Foundation awarded 1,644 students in Rift Valley, Kenya scholarships.
• Scholarships provide financial support and mentorship beyond the classroom.
• Beneficiaries include an orphan and a refugee, who credit the program.
• Mentorship aims to instill values, confidence, and leadership skills in students.
• Program empowers underprivileged students and nurtures future community leaders.