Mastercard and Hatua.net have joined hands to empower young people with the essential skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Since 2010, Hatua.net has helped more 500 students continue their education. All Hatua.net-sponsored children compete effectively at their high-ranking secondary schools and more than 90 per cent have been admitted directly into university.
Recognizing Hatua.net’s focus on identifying talented youngsters who may one day want to work in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) industries, Mastercard has committed $50,000, and co-created a dedicated program that includes internships, graduate programs, and real-world employment skill training at Mastercard.
“Our goal is to build both foundational knowledge and 21st century skills to ensure that our youth have the necessary networks, tools, and solutions that can help them reach their potential and achieve career success. Through our focus on ‘doing well, by doing good’, this partnership with Hatua.net exemplifies our commitment to creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all,” Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands at Mastercard.
“At Hatua.net, we are working to take children out of the slums, give them an opportunity for an education, and ultimately enable them to then go back and uplift their entire communities. Partnerships with private sector partners such as Mastercard allows us to extend this mission even further. Whilst our primary focus is on children through school, with the opportunities presented by Mastercard, they can continue to shape their futures post-graduation and in the actual job market,” a representative from Hatua.net.
As part of the collaboration, Mastercard will fund a number of scholarships to enable access to education and training opportunities. There will be two graduate program placements at Mastercard, providing an 18-month rotation program followed by the opportunity for a permanent role in the company, alongside internship placements.
Alongside this, a dedicated mentorship program, supported by Mastercard’s Talent Management Team, will deliver practical skills such as interview training, CV reviews and job application assistance, Microsoft Office application training, and communication skills. One-on-one mentorship will also be provided by members of the regional Mastercard team to help build confidence, encourage self-expression, and enhance financial acumen.