MACHACKOS: Some 1,291 Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholars from the Lower Eastern region attended the Equity Group Foundation’s 16th Annual Education and Leadership Congress in Machakos County.

According to Kenya News Agency, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman Dr. James Mwangi, addressing attendees at Machakos School, emphasized the congress’s goal to motivate scholars to aspire for greater achievements while providing mentorship in leadership and social responsibility.

Dr. Mwangi highlighted that the Wings to Fly initiative by Equity Bank, along with the government-funded Elimu Scholarship, seeks to support underprivileged yet talented scholars through financial aid and mentorship. He revealed that the collaboration with the government has enabled them to identify the most vulnerable scholars based on their specific needs, facilitated by a selection committee.

Dr. Mwangi further explained that the selection committee, combined with insights into students’ backgrounds and the bank’s network infrastructure, plays a crucial role in verifying the scholars’ details. He noted that 87% of the Wings to Fly scholars are orphans or semi-orphans, and the program has been extended to include refugees in the country.

Additionally, the bank is set to introduce an equity phase leadership program that will offer top KCSE exam performers a one-year paid internship at the bank, providing them with global exposure. Dr. Mwangi underscored the program’s impact, with 970 scholars joining international universities, 218 enrolling in Ivy League schools, and 45 attending Harvard, demonstrating significant contributions to the education sector.

Vice Chancellor of Machakos University, Dr. Joyce Alago, lauded the program as transformative, emphasizing its role in fostering leadership from within and inspiring others.