In 2012, Ashesi was named one of nine pioneer partners for The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program; the education initiative provides talented but under-resourced students in developing countries - particularly in Africa - with strong support for secondary and university education. That year, Ashesi welcomed its first class of Scholars to campus, pioneers who would set the benchmark for future generations of scholars.
Four years later, on June 25th, 2016, this pioneer class of scholars, representing seven countries from across Africa, were awarded degrees at Ashesi’s 12th commencement ceremony. 28% graduated with academic honours. For the scholars, this unique scholarship opportunity exposed them to opportunities to learn, grow and make impact. Grace Amponsah '16, for example, founded A New Dawn, an initiative that works to tackle barriers to education faced by girls in Berekuso, and help them develop stronger potential for success. She eventually won a $10,000 grant from the Dalai Lamma Fellowship to help expand the program, which today has helped bring a big mindset shift in gender conversations in Berekuso.
“I was greatly inspired by MasterCard Foundation's "Give Back" initiative, and my internship at the Leading Ladies' Network, founded by an Ashesi alumna,” says Grace, speaking on her motivation for starting A New Dawn. “But I was also inspired by conversations we had in our Leadership 4 class at Ashesi, which encouraged us to do what we can with what we have.”
To Dorcas Amoh-Mensah '16, who was one of three recipients of the Scholarship, Leadership and Citizenship award, Ashesi was a challenge she has come to appreciate. "I realised if an educational system does not challenge you to think differently and critically, and push you out of your comfort zone leading to deeper self-discovery and transformation then you have not been educated," she said. "This is what Ashesi exposed me to. I realized there is hope for the continent if many students are educated this way."
For Festus Emmanuel Jartu '16, who left his home in Sierra Leone to start a new life in the Gambia because of war at the time, the scholarship was a turning point in his life. “It was a certainty that I could not attend university without a scholarship," Festus explained. In a valedictory speech on behalf of his class, he encouraged guests present, to see stories like his as a reminder to always have hope.
"Ladies and gentlemen, my being here today proves that we are not the product of our circumstances but rather the product of our aspirations," his emotional address read. "We don’t dwell on what we have been through; our struggle, the inequality, poverty or our broken environments. We are a group that carries the ambitions of scientists, engineers, business leaders, artists, teachers, entrepreneurs, and many others. To everyone here, the Class of 2016’s message to you is this; do not let your history determine your glory."
In a dinner held to celebrate the first batch of scholars, Peter Materu, Director of Education and Learning at The MasterCard Foundation, encouraged the scholars to blaze a trail. “You are the people who are going to be out there as ambassadors of our mission to pave the way for the future and the others who are to come after you,” he said. “You’re now heading out to the next step in your lives. Down the road, you want to be able to look back and say that you have impacted your family, your community, your country.”
MasterCard Foundation Scholars at Ashesi, Class of 2016
Ali Njie
Ali Seidu
Anna Naami
Beatrice Lung'ahu
Benson Wachira
Courage Kpotosu
Comfort Tenjier
David Wainaina
Dorcas Tamatey
Dorcas Amoh Mensah (Magna Cum Laude)
Festus Emmanuel Jartu
Grace Amponsah (Magna Cum Laude)
Israel Oladejo
Julateh Mulbah
Khadija Bawah
Leticia Otubea Opoku (Magna Cum Laude)
Lydia Kemuma Kinyari (Cum Laude)
Makani Mweembe
Margaret Ayodele
Maxwell Nii Laryea (Cum Laude)
Memory Mumbi
Miriam Odonkor (Summa Cum Laude)
Mychal George
Norbert Sackey
Obed Nsiah (Summa Cum Laude)
Daniel Osei
Rahab Wangari (Cum Laude)
Salifu Mutaru
Samuel Kumi
Saudatu Mohammed (Cum Laude)
Shedrach Akesse
Zeinab Fuseini