Five students from Riviera High School have won scholarships to study abroad in different universities after they excelled in last year’s Senior Six national examinations. 

Fiona Munyana, Maureen Isimbi, Ian Bruce Kayitare, Elvis Muhoza and Bruce Gatete, were the lucky students. Isimbi, Munyana and Muhoza scored 73, 70 and 64 respectively in history, economics and geography, while Gatete and Kayitare both garnered AAB in maths, physics and chemistry.

They are set to pursue careers in the fields of mechanical engineering, electrical and computer science engineering, integrated science, development economics and environmental engineering, among others.

The universities they are going to include, African Leadership University in Mauritius, Harvard University, University of Lincoln and Tuffs University in the USA.

Charles Owino, a history teacher at the school said all the students who got scholarships utilised their time well.

"Apart from being disciplined and hardworking, the students took advantage of the good learning environment such as a well-stocked library and computer lab to excel in their academics,” said Owino.

What it takes to get a scholarship

The application process is elaborate; the students apply to the respective colleges through the common application platform. They post their final year exam results (S6 or Cambridge), alongside other previous qualification documents.

They nominate a counsellor and recommender, who post their opinions about the candidate independently through another portal.

Boniface Onyango, the principal of the school, says for one to be considered, it takes more than just academics.

"Apart from excelling in academics, the applicants should also have a good background in English reading, writing, speaking and the ability to listen well. Each individual should also be in a position to participate in both school and outside activities,” he says.

Onyango adds that the documents are evaluated through a rigorous exercise and the lucky ones are picked and informed accordingly.

"The truth is that any person can apply but they must work hard to attain the qualification marks. The school plays a pivotal role in providing a good recommendation which details the candidate’s credentials in terms of leadership, academics, sports, discipline and spirituality,” says Onyango.

He advises students eyeing international scholarships to start the process as early as possible as applying late reduces ones chances of being selected.

Beneficiaries speak

"I am so glad to be one of the lucky students to get the opportunity to study abroad. I would not have made it without the support from both my teachers and parents. I would like to advise other students to always strive for the best in everything,” said Munyana.

Muhoza said he was always passionate about becoming an engineer but didn’t know how to achieve it.

"With the help of teachers and my colleagues, I was able to learn how to develop the skills for this career and I believe it contributed a lot to my success,” he said.