By Fredrick Odiero
Equity Group Foundation Chairman Erastus Mwencha has asked beneficiaries of the Wings to Fly and Elimu scholarship programmes to focus on personal and academic excellence.
Speaking at Kisumu Boys High School during the 12th Annual Education and Leadership Congress, Mwencha said the scholarship programmes have produced a number of talents who are in the global market.
He added that they aim to equip scholars with a mindset of becoming principal agents of shaping their destinies.
He added that through the programmes, the country is poised to produce a high caliber of professionals in different fields.
He revealed that the 2,000 beneficiaries from Nyanza were engaged with top corporate captains, government officials, religious leaders, teachers and scholars who challenged them to be creative and innovative to drive change within their homes, schools and communities.
“The theme and daily programmes have been tailored to support scholars to unlock their potential and embrace valuable life skills such as flexibility and resilience,” he pointed out.
He revealed that the mentorship programme focuses on empowering scholars through education, mentorship and coaching and that the beneficiaries are encouraged to give back to their communities.
Mwencha revealed that many girls than boys from Nyanza had benefited from the bank’s initiative.
Equity Group Chief Information Officer Dennis Volemi urged the scholars to put into practice the lessons they have learnt during the conference.
He also urged them to take up leadership positions when they go back to school.
“Work hard, stay focused and tap into the knowledge and values that your parents, guardians and teachers have imparted in you because we are all looking forward to having you as our future leaders,” Volemi said.
Equity Bank Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. James Mwangi had previously asked parents and guardians to get scholarship application forms from the nearest Equity Bank branches or agents.
The programme sponsors tuition fees, uniforms, pocket money, transport and shopping for the beneficiaries.
“From next week, the application forms will be accessible to the applicants and thereafter we will embark on a rigorous selection process,” he said.
He asked those who will not be selected to enroll in public day secondary schools where the tuition fees is fully sponsored by the government.
“Admission into day schools will ensure no child misses out on secondary education as is in line with the government’s 100 percent secondary school transition policy,” he said.
Dr. Mwangi said that they intend to increase the number of beneficiaries to 57,000 from over the next two years.
He added that Shs billion have been spent towards the programme and that 98 percent of the programmes’ beneficiaries have completed secondary education.
“715 students have joined prestigious universities abroad.” He concluded.
The annual leadership congress has been decentralized this year owing to the large number of scholarship beneficiaries as the programme has expanded to more needy but bright students.
It will mentor 21,777 Form 1, 3 and 4 students for both Wings to Fly and Elimu scholarship programmes.
Equity Group Foundation’s Wings to Fly Education and Leadership Congresses have been held consistently for the past 12 years except in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year’s congress is happening simultaneously with the 2022 Wings to Fly Scholarship application and selection process.
