The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Over 5000 Ugandan students are set to benefit from more scholarship opportunities by Mastercard Foundation, a Canadian-based organisation with over $6billion in assets aimed at providing a comprehensive education to youth in developing countries.
The programme is implemented through BRAC Uganda to educate and develop next generation leaders who will contribute to social and economic transformation in their communities. The program already in its fourth year (2012-2020), has enabled young talented Ugandans from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, complete secondary education and transition into tertiary education. 3400 scholars will receive support at O-level and another 1600 will be aided at A-level.
This was revealed at a meeting of 106 school heads of the program partner schools that took place at Silver Springs Hotel Bugolobi on August 21. The meeting was held under the theme “Engaging school leadership for holistic scholar education.”
BRAC Uganda is in a collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Sports, Science and technology (MOESST) to enhance the programme. A number of new Ugandan schools have signed up and more are set to join. Ndifuna Zaujja, the Head Teacher of Mbogo High School, who spoke on behalf of school heads, hailed the scholarship scheme for making a follow up on the students it sponsors and for giving a rare opportunity for students in poor communities. After graduation, scholars form and join regional chapters of the Alumni Network. Through this network, the alumni organise community service projects to give back to their communities. Some of the challenges cited in the implementation of the scholarship program include student strikes and non-cooperation from some schools.
