While addressing the 53 Cohort Six Scholars of MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Award Ceremony held on 12th March 2021, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe revealed that over 1000 Makerere students drop out due to financial-related challenges.
Nawangwe further urged the scholars to work towards becoming responsible leaders and not leaders of riots.
“Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University are training you to become the next generation of leaders who will champion transformative change in your communities and the African continent.” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Nawangwe also reminded the scholars to count themselves lucky for having received the Mastercard Foundation (MCF) Scholarship, which will see them attain quality university education at the Ivory Tower.
Nawangwe further explained that out of the two million pupils who join primary schools every year, only 90,000 make it to University, of which Makerere University admits only 10,000 students.
Also present at the ceremony was Prof. Umar Kakumba, the Chairperson of the MasterCard Foundation Steering Committee who revealed that the Scholars Program was uniquely designed to provide Scholars with academic curricular that is relevant to the job market.
Kakumba also disclosed that the program also provides extra support in terms of mentorship, counseling and psychosocial support services, as well as experiential learning through volunteerism, internships and social entrepreneurship; and connections to jobs and internship opportunities through its network of partners.
The MCF Selection Committee and the Secretariat of the Scholars Program recruited the Cohort Six Scholars amidst the COVID-19 challenges, which according to Kakumba is a major milestone.
