The Equity Group Foundation hosted over 3,570 Wings to Fly scholars at Kenyatta University for the 10th Annual Education and Leadership Congress. This group comprises Form 3 & 4 students who are beneficiaries of its scholarship programme.
This year’s congress, whose theme was Integrity; an anchor to academic excellence saw participants receive vital lessons on life skills that will continue to shape and mould them into responsible citizens.
Speaking to the scholars during the Congress, Mastercard Foundation President and CEO, Reeta Roy, urged the students to build their leadership skills right from school.
“School is not only about coming top of your class. It is also about honing your leadership skills so that you are all rounded as an individual,” she said.
According to Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman Dr. James Mwangi, the annual event, is the highlight of the leadership, mentoring and social transformation programs run by EGF under its Education Pillar. “We view the Wings to Fly scholars as disruptors of the social economic challenges affecting their families, communities and ultimately the country and as such, their ability to do so is predicated on nurturing in them the qualities and mindsets of ethical and enlightened leadership,” said Dr. Mwangi.
“The Congress seeks to cultivate these skills, build character and ethics as well as create a global mindset through exposing them to mentoring opportunities by outstanding role models drawn from business, professionals, academia, the public service as well as partners and supporting them to put into practice what they learn. The Congress also serves as the primary networking forum amongst the scholars and lays the foundation for cohesion, long-term conversations and collaborations towards creating transformational change in the society”, added Dr. Mwangi.
During the weeklong initiative, various business and academic leaders drawn from both private and public sectors mentor the scholars. Among them was Education CS, Prof. George Magoha, who in his session encouraged students to uphold integrity and hard work in the pursuit of excellence, adding that it was the only way to success.
“Wings to Fly has countless examples of scholars who have gone on to excel in life. I therefore urge you to practice commitment, dedication, resilience, and above all, put in hard work, and you shall reap the fruits of your success, “said Prof. Magoha.
In addition to the mentorship sessions from the selected speakers who include Eng. Catherine Nyambala – Founder STEMAfrica, Prof. Paul Wainaina – Vice Chancellor Kenyatta University, Mrs. Florence Ngarari – Principal Pangani Girls, and Dr. Oscar Githua – Forensic Psychologist, USIU, the congress will accommodate components on career & counselling and fostering healthy relationships. There will be a talent show and sports day, where skills and talents will be celebrated.
Since inception in 2009, the Wings to Fly program has so far supported 16,168 deserving students from across the country. With a 96%, completion rate and an average of 82% meeting University entry level grades, it has become of the most successful scholarship programme in the country.