A total of 305 beneficiaries of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program have been urged to become catalysts for transformation in their academics, leadership, and communities. This exhortation was delivered during the Vice Chancellor&039;s Reception held at the Kigali Serena Hotel, which also marked the conclusion of the one-week 'Summer Camp' for 2024 that has been taking place from June 24 to 28 at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV).
The Vice Chancellor's reception serves as an essential platform for welcoming new scholars to the university, outlining the institution's expectations, and fostering interactions between scholars and university leadership. It also facilitates engagement between the scholars, Mastercard Foundation, and other partners, enabling an exchange of ideas and information about the program's strengths and the scholars' involvement.
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UR’s Acting Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Didas Kayihura Muganga said: "We&039;re expecting a lot from them since they have been trained to be game changers. They have been trained to be a generation of transformative leaders and are now like disciples in their community on top of what they have trained to be."
"They are transformative leaders and are there to be exemplary to others and their families, making it easier for their parents or guardians. They have received training on financial literacy, computer skills, economic literacy, communication skills, and other areas," said Muganga.
"Now that they have acquired these skills, they're going to help others in their respective campuses to discover and rediscover themselves, know what they can do best, and help them to truly fit in as university students who are going to be leaders on the universal standard.”
The participants are among the young people that Mastercard Foundation supports in Africa through education by extending sponsorship which covers stipends and other comprehensive support to complete their studies as fully-rounded scholars ready to transit to the workplace.
The 10-year program, which started in 2021 and runs until 2031, will admit 1,200 scholars. These scholars will comprise 70 per cent females, 25 per cent refugees and displaced youth from conflict-affected regions, and 10 per cent individuals with disabilities. 80 per cent of the scholars will pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, while the remaining 20 per cent will be admitted to other programmes.
As per the program design, 90 per cent of the scholars will be enrolled in undergraduate programmes, with the remaining 10 per cent pursuing Master’s programmes. To date, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the UR has accepted two cohorts, totaling 305 undergraduate and 25 master's students.
Through the program, scholars are enabled to nurture and maximise their academic potential for a more dignified human experience and employment, which will enable them to influence change on the continent, and the concluded 'Summer Camp' is part of the chapter on the agenda.
The sessions covered various topics, including enhancing scholars’ digital literacy, career development, and professional networking, and boosting scholars’ English proficiency, mental health, and emotional intelligence. They also focused on sexual reproductive health, entrepreneurship, and employability skills.
Additionally, scholars were sharpened in communication, public speaking, and debating skills, leadership, financial literacy, gender equality, gender-based violence, and leveraging social media for meaningful connections, among other topics.
According to Associate Professor Celestin Ntivuguruzwa, the Deputy Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in charge of Transition and International Students at the UR, Rwanda&039;s leadership has positioned youth at the centre of development and their role is very important for the country's transformation.
"Rwanda has been transformed since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and this progress will continue. It's important to prepare youth not only in Rwanda but also across the continent. They will be able to lead these changes and potentially guide others to ensure that the achievements are maintained," he said.
Scholars’ perspectives
Godfrey Rukimbira is a second-year university student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Law. The aspiring lawmaker lives with a disability and cannot walk. He relies on a special bicycle for disabled people.
"I cannot explain how grateful I am since the Mastercard Foundation started sponsoring my studies. It's given me hope for tomorrow. We receive everything required and, more importantly, a portion for our family. My tomorrow is better since education is the foundation of everything," he said.
"This is an awesome opportunity. It's more than just joining a university. I had no hope of furthering my studies before this programme. I've been trained on how to speak publicly, be innovative, and more. I hope to go far and will surely achieve a lot in my studies, including a Master's degree," said Grace Mukamwezi, a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Education at Rukara Campus in Kayonza District.
Samuel Oliha Peter Amok, a South Sudanese, said that the Mastercard Foundation has provided him with an opportunity to pursue his education at a world-class university [UR], which is raising a new generation of transformative leaders.
"The programme has filled me with hope and determination to bring about positive change in my community. With the transformative support we receive, our future is secure, and it's our responsibility to credit it to become agents of change in our communities," he said.