A total of 300 students from all campuses of University of Rwanda (UR), in their first and second years are experiencing an eye-opening week at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV).
The event was organized by Mastercard Foundation in partnership with the University of Rwanda (UR) through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UR with the aim to equip scholars with the necessary knowledge, skills and key information to succeed and transition into the workplace.
This is also an opportunity for all the scholars to meet UR leadership and partners, other scholars and know each other, discuss, network and get inspired.
The week-long event dubbed ‘Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UR Orientation week’ which runs from October 9 to 14, promises an array of opportunities including, entrepreneurship, leadership, mentorship and reproductive health, valuable networking and inspiration sessions with business professionals, specifically young entrepreneurs and many more.
Notably, the participants are among the many young people that Mastercard Foundation supports through education by extending sponsorship which covers stipend and other comprehensive support to successfully complete their studies as fully rounded scholars ready to transit to the workplace.
The program officially started in 2021 and two cohorts have now been recruited at undergraduate level, the first cohort with 75 in the first year, and the second cohort with 225 in the second year, and additional 30 at Masters level, all of which demonstrate the foundation’s commitment to empowering the next generations of transformative leaders on the African continent.
ALSO READ: Mastercard Foundation, UR launch $55m scholarship programme for students
Anne Marie Kagwesage, the Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UR shared the significance of this partnership program, emphasizing the dedication to nurturing young minds while providing fresh and varied perspectives, energy and skills to support them to drive transformation.
"University’s goal is to provide all students with the standard knowledge and skills they need to make their own jobs and generate more jobs. They are encouraged and supported to think creatively and explore opportunities outside the country.”
"This opportunity connects them with various business pros, entrepreneurs and other big names to learn from,” she said.
She acknowledged that scholars have already initiated some entrepreneurial projects such as chicken farming business and other entrepreneurship projects and scholars also participate in varied give back activities in their different communities such as participating in Umuganda as shared through scholar’s testimonies.
Kagwesage urged them to work hard, prepare for the challenging times, be patriotic and always consider what the country needs from them as transformative leaders.
ALSO READ: Mastercard Africa boss outlines opportunities for engagement and partnerships in Rwanda
Raymond Ndikumana, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Administration, UR, said: "The partnership is sub-divided into three main parts: Scholarships, psychosocial support and leadership training.”
"However, this opportunity is just the beginning, we are planning to extend similar initiatives that will benefit the entire campuses,” he said.
He added: "The initiative contributes to the institution’s development, not just benefiting students but the entire growth of the campus. Since the world is turning competitive, nurturing knowledgeable and wise individuals would be an awesome deal.”
ALSO READ: Mastercard drive for economic development in Africa
On the other hand, Douce Ineza Divine, a Horticulture student at College of Agriculture Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), Busogo Campus and one of the beneficiaries fondly shared her thoughts and gratitude for the incredible opportunity she got.
"I am fully committed to meeting their expectations. I believe being admitted was not by mistake rather we had potential and they anticipated something productive from us,” she said.
Ineza added: "I will strive to achieve that and uplift others, just as they have done for me.”
Equally, Dieudone Dushimimana, a year two student in Finance Administration, Huye Campus, echoed similar sentiment that "without Mastercard scholarship I wouldn’t have been able to further my higher education as I had not managed to secure a government sponsorship and my family could not afford to pay for me.”
"Besides that, the opportunity also enabled me to pursue Certified Public Accountant (CPA), one of my childhood dream courses since I want to be an accountant.”
About Mastercard Foundation
It is an international non-governmental organization established by Mastercard in 2006. The organization, which is based in Canada, has supported work in 49 countries including Rwanda.
In 2018, Mastercard Foundation shifted to a specific focus on Africa, through its Young Africa Works strategy.
The foundation develops programs primarily focused on reducing gender and economic inequality, expanding access to quality education, increasing the opportunities for decent work, and supporting overall economic growth.