The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda concluded a four-day bootcamp for the orientation of the third cohort of 165 new Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda.
The bootcamp, which took place from August 28 to 31, 2024, aimed to equip and prepare the Mastercard Foundation Scholars for their journey ahead. The bootcamp was designed to provide skills and information to help them successfully transition into university life, understand the academic environment, get to know each other, and build networks.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda excited for the university experience ahead
“This bootcamp marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in your academic and leadership journey. I encourage you to stay focused, disciplined, and committed to excellence as you navigate your university life,” said Associate Professor Anne Marie Kagwesage, Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda, in her address to the new Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
“We’re building a network of future leaders dedicated to driving inclusive and equitable socio-economic transformation across Africa. We look forward to seeing you achieve your personal and academic growth through the Program.”
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda is a 10-year partnership with the Mastercard Foundation that aims to develop the next generation of transformative leaders by enabling highly talented, service-oriented young people, primarily young Africans, to pursue higher education and cultivate their leadership potential.
In their academic journey, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars are supported to become part of a network of active leaders driving inclusive and equitable socio-economic transformation in Africa. They are offered 360-degree (full round) education experiences, transformative leadership training, and job market preparation to become competitive candidates for employment, create their own ventures, and give back to their communities. Effective transition and after-graduation support is also provided.
“I am truly honored to be part of this incredible [Mastercard Foundation Scholars] Program. This bootcamp is a great opportunity for us to connect, learn, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I’m eager to grow both academically and personally, and I believe the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will empower me to make a difference in my community,” said Clemence Ukwitegetse, one of the new Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda.
From 2021 to 2031, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda is onboarding 1,200 Mastercard Foundation Scholars, comprising 70% females, 25% refugees and displaced youth from conflict-affected regions, and 10% persons with a disability. Eighty percent of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars will pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs, with the remaining 20% admitted to other programs. As per the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda design, 90% of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars will be enrolled in undergraduate programs, with the remaining 10% pursuing Master’s degrees.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda Program Director Associate Professor Anne Marie Kagwesage welcoming new Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda.
The goal of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda is to reach 70% young women, 25% refugees and displaced persons, and 10% young people with a disability.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive mentorship from various leaders at different levels to enhance their leadership potential.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda having fun during the orientation and bootcamp.