More than 620 learners under the Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholarships have undergone a three-day mentorship programme organised by the Equity Bank Group.
The beneficiaries, consisting of form-one and form-two learners drawn from Machakos, Makueni, and Kajiado counties, were mentored on life skills, education, and leadership at the Machakos School.
Equity Bank Director of Payments Dennis Njau said the mentorship is meant to inculcate the values of leadership, academic excellence, and community service in the learners.
“The learners are part of the over 55,000 students across the country that Equity Bank Foundation and other partners have been able to sponsor to pursue their secondary education”, disclosed Njau.
He reiterated the bank’s commitment to investing and supporting the learners to achieve their dreams.
“We remain committed to creating solid leadership amongst these learners. We will continue to inspire and encourage them to recognise the opportunities that they have to mould themselves into the very best that they can be,” Njau added.
Njau noted that since the inception of the programme, more than 2,000 students have been admitted to international universities in over 35 countries across the world.
“The transition to university has been impressive and currently stands at 82 per cent; the goal is to ensure as many learners as possible join institutions of higher learning,” he said.
Njau urged the learners to remain focused and avoid bad company that can derail their education.
“Humble backgrounds don’t determine your destiny; work hard and relentlessly pursue your education,” noted Njau.
Speaking at the same event, Kalama Deputy County Commissioner Milcah Kariuki hailed Equity Bank Group for the scholarship programmes and called on other partners to supplement the government’s efforts in the provision of equitable education.
“The scholarships have enabled students from humble households to pursue their education without interruptions. It also gives the learners a distinct opportunity to go through a comprehensive mentorship programme, equipping them with necessary life and leadership skills,” noted Kariuki.
The administrator called for the expansion of the scholarship fund to cover more learners.
15-year-old Patience Munguti, a form-two student at Kenya High School, said the programme had enabled her to pursue her secondary education at the school of her dreams.
“Were it not for the Elimu Scholarship, my parents would not have afforded to educate me at Kenya High School,” she said.
By Roselyne Kavoo
