May 21 – 28, 2017 – Over 90 MasterCard Foundation (MCF) scholars from across Ghana participated in the MasterCard Foundation Scholars convening held at Ashesi.
The week-long program brought together scholars from MCF partner institutions in Ghana; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), CAMFED and Ashesi, to participate in a series of workshops, lectures and field trips aimed at equipping the scholars with tools to guide them towards effecting impactful change within their communities. Other institutions represented include University of Ghana, Ghana Institute of Journalism, University of Development Studies and Central Universities, all of which work with CAMFED to promote quality education to more and more students.
“By and large, the purpose of the convening was to bring up the extra-ordinary leaders Africa needs,” said Frances Awua-Kyeremanten, Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, Ashesi. “While we have scholars from different institutions, they all share the MasterCard scholarship in common, so this opportunity helps bring them together to learn from each other, build networks and spur one another on towards giving back to their communities.”
Over the period, the scholars explored design thinking, training in ethics and creative writing, in addressing societal challenges. The convening also created a platform for scholars from the various institutions to share their experiences and expand their networks.
“Having the opportunity to interact with other scholars from different institutions with different mindsets and diverse experiences, all in the same space was definitely a positive experience,” Vanessa Eyram Lanyo, second year student from KNUST. “Generally, I learned to work better in teams, and particularly enjoyed learning how to voice my opinions in an effective, and yet impactful way.”
Through a $500 million global initiative, the MasterCard Foundation has provided access to quality secondary and tertiary education to thousands of economically disadvantaged young people in Africa. In 2015, the foundation renewed their partnership with Ashesi, giving some 240 bright young African leaders access to quality education.
