Mastercard Foundation Scholarship recipients class of 2022 at the University of Pretoria
On the 26th of March, we attended the welcoming ceremony for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship recipients class of 2022 at the University of Pretoria. The Mastercard Foundation has partnered with the University of Pretoria and several other universities to sponsor studies for hundreds of young and talented Africans from all across the continent. Today, 24 African countries were represented in fields such as engineering, commerce, environmental science, etc.
Dr Taban spoke on the critical issue of why Africa continues to churn out graduates with impressive qualifications and yet this does not translate into a significant material difference in the living conditions of ordinary Africans. What can we do to change this? This is a question that each and everyone one of us who has had the privilege of receiving formal higher education should ask ourselves. How do I contribute to advancement of my community and indeed my continent?
We urged the private sector to also come on board in equipping these young people to realise the full potential of their academic training by affording them opportunities to gain practical skills in their different professions. All in all, a truly inspiring morning spent with brilliant young Africans.
Through the Emmanuel Taban Foundation, we will endeavour to partner with such organisations in a collaborative effort to realise the full potential of Africa’s youth.
Thank you to Dr Grace Ramafi, program manager of the scholarship, Professor Norman Duncan, Vice-Principal: Academic at the University of Pretoria and the rest of the team for welcoming and hosting us at this prestigious event.
