Secondary Education Scholarship for 5,600 young Kenyans

The MasterCard Foundation and Equity Group Foundation yesterday announced a $50 million partnership that will provide secondary education scholarships and leadership development to 5,600 students in Kenya. The scholarships will cover tuition, books, uniforms and stipends for students who are academically gifted yet economically disadvantaged, enabling them to complete their secondary education.

The program is also supported by UKaid.  Wings to Fly was launched by Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki.  The President was joined by Reeta Roy, President and CEO of The MasterCard Foundation and Dr. James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Bank and Chairman of Equity Group Foundation.

Pupils at Bofu Primary School at the Coast Of Kenya

As a result of Kenya’s Free Primary Education Policy, primary school enrolment in Kenya dramatically increased from 5.8 million in 2003 to 8.6 million in 2008. However, only 64 percent of primary students enter secondary school and even fewer graduate. The low secondary enrolment and completion rates are largely attributed to the costs of secondary education and the need for children from low-income households to work and help support their families. According to the World Bank, every year of secondary school completion translates into increased future wages. For girls, an extra year of schooling beyond the average boosts eventual wages by 10-20 percent.

Recognizing the critical importance of secondary education, the launch of the program comes at a time when the first class of students who began primary school in 2003 is now entering secondary school. In addition to comprehensive secondary education support, the young scholars will also receive leadership training, career guidance and mentoring.

This national program builds upon Equity Bank’s extensive presence in Kenya and works with local communities to select eligible students.

Recognizing the power of Wings to Fly to open worlds of opportunity to young Kenyans, Ms. Roy and Dr. Mwangi called on other potential public and private partners to join with them to grow the program to reach even more young scholars.