Equity Bank continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Kenya’s youth through its Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholarship programmes. Recently, 3,153 Form 1 and 2 beneficiaries were taken through an intensive mentorship programme designed to motivate and prepare them for future successes. These learners, drawn from Nairobi, Central, Eastern, North Eastern, and Coast regions, were part of the 15th Annual Education and Leadership Congress held at Kenyatta University.
This year’s congress, themed “Educate, Empower, Lead: The Triad to Success,” offered a week-long forum filled with inspiration, education, and engagement. The scholars were mentored by a diverse group of role models, including successful professionals, government officials, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. The programme’s objective was to provide these young minds with the tools and knowledge to navigate their educational journey and future careers successfully.
Dr. James Mwangi, the Executive Chairman of the Equity Group Foundation and the Chief Guest at the event, emphasized the importance of partnerships in making the programme a success. He highlighted how these collaborations have positively impacted the lives of many young Kenyans. “Each of you belongs to individual families, and that is why we are interested in you as an individual because we want to make a difference in each and every family and village that you come from,” Dr. Mwangi said. He urged the scholars to embrace humility, remain grounded, and empathetic to help others in their communities.
The Equity Bank scholarship programmes have had a significant impact on the lives of many academically gifted but economically disadvantaged students. The programmes have expanded remarkably, overseeing 60,009 scholarships, offering these young individuals a chance to rewrite their destinies. The mentorship and leadership congress is an essential component of the programme, designed to enhance the scholars’ academic journey with values, leadership skills, and a broader perspective on life.
Education, as Dr. Mwangi noted, goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. It is a journey that opens doors, broadens horizons, and empowers individuals to confidently navigate the complexities of the world. “Education allows us to acquire the capability to lead others, and it helps us unlock our potential, but it needs to be enhanced with values so that our character formation and our personality match our capabilities,” he added.
The mentorship programme also focuses on the transition from secondary education to higher learning and leadership. Scholars who complete four years of secondary education under the Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholarship programmes have the opportunity to transition seamlessly into the Equity Leaders Program (ELP). This programme empowers them with access to local and global universities while nurturing their leadership skills.
The impact of the Equity Leaders Program is evident in the success of its scholars. To date, the programme has facilitated university entry for 18,735 scholars, with 8,337 benefitting from paid internships at Equity Bank. Additionally, 891 ELP scholars have secured fully-funded scholarships at 209 global universities across 56 countries, including prestigious Ivy League institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, and Cornell.
The Equity Bank scholarship programmes demonstrate the transformative power of education and mentorship. By providing these young individuals with opportunities and guidance, the programme is helping to shape the future leaders of Kenya. The Annual Education and Leadership Congress is not just an event; it is a platform where scholars are inspired, empowered, and equipped with the skills and values necessary to lead and succeed in life.
As the 15th cohort of scholars embarks on their journey, the message from Dr. Mwangi and other leaders is clear: education is the key to unlocking potential, and with the right values and guidance, these scholars can become the agents of transformation in their families, communities, and the nation at large.
