The first cohort of forty students undertaking a unique diploma encompassing practical curricula at MPESA Foundation Academy has graduated.
Speaking during the graduation of the learners who undertook the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Thika, Safaricom’s Director in charge of Sustainable Business Social Impact Karen Basiye noted that beneficiaries in the program are learners from economically disadvantaged backgrounds whom the academy is preparing for future leadership.
Basiye noted that the students who were adopted by the academy in 2020 received excellent breadth and depth of knowledge to flourish both physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.
She said that the programme was conceived to; equip learners with skills and knowledge in readiness for tertiary education, deliver innovative world class education relevant to the society needs and prepare them to become job creators.
The integrated curriculum encompassing Competency Based System (CBS) and international syllabus hopes to promote life-long skills such as critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and specialization that meets the demands of society.
She stated that the holistic learning given to the students was geared towards preparing them for further training and following their graduation, the learners are expected to transition to the institution’s Uongozi Centre from June to December this year to undertake programs that will equip them with skills and knowledge in readiness for tertiary education.
“This programme prepares these students to be able to go out there and thrive. The single transformation we see per child, their talents and how we nurture them is what has been driving us,” said Basiye.
Her sentiments were echoed by David Ochieng, the Director in Charge of Studies at the academy who reiterated that the curriculum provides 21st century skills required to provide solutions to many challenges bedeviling the society.
Driven by leadership, entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, Ochieng stated that the training is further hoped to offer career guidance to the talented but economically disadvantaged students with demonstrated leadership potential.
“We are looking for transformational leaders who must have values, integrity and of good character. All these virtues are incubated through this training,” he said.
M-PESA Foundation Academy was established in 2016, and 946 students from across the country have been admitted to the institution since then, with 96 students joining in February this year. From 2019, the Academy has sponsored 133 students to study in universities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Switzerland, while over 116 students have found placement in local universities and TVETs.
By Kamau Njoroge
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