Mastercard Foundation scholars urged to be a shining example amid summer camp

The Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Strategic Planning and Administration at the University of Rwanda, Dr. Raymond Ndikumana, has urged Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda to remain focused and disciplined to achieve their academic and career objectives, enabling them to make an impact in their communities as transformative leaders of tomorrow.

DVC SPA Dr Raymond Ndikumana in his opening remarks
He made the remarks while addressing over 300 Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda gathered at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village for a week-long summer camp, which started on Monday, June 24th, and is scheduled to close on Saturday, June 29th.

“This is a program we are really privileged and honored to participate in. We’re developing the next generation of transformative leaders. We want to see you accelerate at full round. You therefore need to be focused and disciplined to achieve your academic and professional goals.” said the Deputy Vice Chancellor.

The summer camp is one of the activities organized by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, a 10-year program (2021-2031) being implemented at the University of Rwanda to support academically talented youth in Africa who face social and economic barriers to accessing quality university education.

It aims to offer a transformative experience to enhance scholars’ academic performance, leadership skills, personal growth, and sense of community and impact.
The sessions being covered include enhancing scholars’ digital literacy, career development and professional networking, and boosting scholars’ English proficiency, mental health and emotional intelligence, sexual reproductive health as well as entrepreneurship and employability skills.

Scholars will also be sharpened in communication, public speaking and debating skills, leadership, financial literacy, gender equality and gender-based violence, and leveraging social media for meaningful connections, among other topics.

According to Assoc. Prof. Celestin Ntivuguruzwa, the Deputy Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda, the leadership of the country has positioned youth at the center of Rwanda’s development. Your role is very important for the country’s transformation," he told the scholars.

Scholars’ perspectives

“We’re expected to be transformative leaders. The sessions are really sharpening us to be transformed so that we can, in turn, transform others. Each day, we are gaining new insights and skills that empower us to make a meaningful impact in our communities and beyond.” said Clarisse Murekatete a Mastercard Foundation Scholar in General Medicine and Surgery, Level 3, at the University of Rwanda.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda supports academically talented youth in Africa through providing academic scholarships to youth who face social and economic barriers to access university education.

Through the program, scholars are enabled to nurture and maximize their academic potential for a more dignified human experience and employment, allowing them to influence change on African continent.

From 2021 to 2031, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda will admit 1,200 scholars, comprising 70% females, 25% refugees and displaced youth from conflict-affected regions, and 10% individuals with disabilities. Eighty percent of the scholars will be pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs and the remaining 20% admitted in other programs. As pe the program design, ninety percent of the scholars will be enrolled in undergraduate programs, with the remaining 10% pursuing master’s programs.

A section of Mastercard Foundation scholars during the event.

Group photo of all participants to the summer camp