Equity Bank Rwanda has selected 36 high-performing students from the 2023 Rwanda National Secondary Leaving Exams for its Equity Leaders Program (ELP). Recent high school graduates Eugene Niyogisubizo and Liliane Usengimana, hailing from Nyagatare and Rusizi districts, are among the selected for what the institution terms a "lifetime opportunity."

The induction and training program for the third cohort took place on January 12, offering the scholars an opportunity to engage with leaders from various industries, including Equity Group leadership, on topics such as leadership, personal development, and community engagement.

ALSO READ: Equity Bank Rwanda boss outlines priorities after Cogebanque acquisition

The ELP, an initiative under Equity Group Foundation’s Education and Leadership Development pillar, focuses on empowering academically gifted scholars. The scholars, selected based on their outstanding performance, expressed enthusiasm about the program.

Usengimana shared her excitement, stating: "This program will stimulate our personal and professional growth, foster creativity and innovation, and promote active community engagement among us. We’ve already interacted with speakers from organisations such as the Mastercard Foundation and Bridge to Rwanda and learned a lot from them.”

Niyogisubizo, expressing gratitude for being chosen, highlighted his plans for the future. "To be chosen, I was happy. I plan on using this chance to help my community, and this will start with me getting a medical degree, so this programme will be aiding my college journey, especially now that I plan on going abroad.”

ALSO READ: Equity’s Namara elected chairperson of Bankers’ association

The newly commissioned scholars will embark on a three-month paid internship at Equity Bank Rwanda, receiving a monthly stipend and gaining hands-on experience and mentorship across various departments. Ongoing mentorship and coaching will continue throughout their university tenure.

Equity Group Holdings Managing Director and CEO, Dr James Mwangi, stated during the commissioning: "Today marks a new milestone as we gather to celebrate the commissioning of 36 exceptional scholars into the Equity Leaders Program (ELP). Over the past three decades, Equity Group has been unwavering in its commitment to investing in human capital. Since its inception, the programme has facilitated 18,735 scholars’ entry into university, with 8,337 benefiting from paid internships at Equity Bank.”

"Additionally, 3,454 have enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. 890 ELP scholars have secured fully funded scholarships at 201 leading global universities across 36 countries, including Ivy League institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, and Cornell Universities in the USA,” Mwangi added.

Equity Bank Rwanda Managing Director Hannington Namara emphasised the impact of the ELP, stating: "Equity Bank is committed to continuing to impact lives and livelihoods by implementing program that can create sustainable change.”

The Minister of Youth, Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima, commended Equity Bank for its dedication to social progress, "In a nation where 65 per cent of the population is composed of young individuals, initiatives like the Equity Leaders Program play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for Rwanda.”

ALSO READ: Equity Holding Group chose customers over profits

Since its launch in Rwanda in 2021, the ELP has positively impacted over 102 students, contributing to their academic and personal development. The program’s success is evident in the scholars who have successfully transitioned to attend renowned local and international universities, including Ivy League institutions.

About Equity Bank Rwanda

Equity Bank Rwanda is ranked second amongst Rwandan banks in terms of reported total assets as of December 31, 2023. Equity Bank Rwanda had total assets of Rwf 989.7 billion, and a Deposit base of Rwf 749.7 billion, with a network of 46 branches, 4,516 agents, 59 ATMs and 1,777 merchants. It has nearly 1.5 million customers.

Equity Bank Rwanda Plc (EBR) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Equity Group Holdings Plc and is licensed by the National Bank of Rwanda to provide banking services in Rwanda.

About Equity Group Foundation

Equity Group Foundation (EGF), the corporate implementing foundation of Equity Group Holdings Plc, has as its mission to champion the transformation of lives and livelihoods for 100 million people in Africa by 2030 through the design and implementation of innovative programs that leverage Equity Group’s infrastructure and partnerships to create shared value.

Established in 2008 as the social engine, the foundation delivers economic opportunities, capacity, tools, and technologies that enable individuals and businesses to increase productivity, resilience and share in socio-economic growth. EGF responds to the continuum of issues that challenge the socio-economic advancement of the people of Africa, especially low-income individuals, and families.

EGF’s Creating Shared Value [CSV] strategy provides social development initiatives in Education and Leadership Development, Food and Agriculture, Health, Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship Development, Energy and Environment and Social Protections for the most vulnerable citizens. EGF’s programs are underpinned by technology, innovation, and synergy as a central means to launch, nurture, and scale up Africa’s next generation of successful leaders and entrepreneurs delivered to all communities in which Equity has operations.

About the Equity Leaders Programme

The Equity Leaders program was founded in 1998 and has scaled up over time to benefit 18,735 scholars. The program’s paid internship component selects the top-performing boy and girl from each district in Rwanda where Equity Bank operates a branch.

It is committed to empowering academically gifted scholars by facilitating their education in public universities globally and in Rwanda and by enhancing their leadership skills. The leadership development model seeks to develop scholars in four program areas: personal and professional development; global exposure; creativity, innovation and community engagement.

Scholars in the paid internship program have an opportunity to join the College Counselling Program to receive coaching and mentorship on how to apply to and secure admissions in leading global institutions. Those who study locally join ELP University Chapters that provide them with an opportunity to continue being in a network and further hone their leadership and personal development.

For more information, visit the website.