Equity : NINE WINGS TO FLY SCHOLARS SCORE STRAIGHT A IN THE 2017 KCSE EXAMS

NINE WINGS TO FLY SCHOLARS SCORE STRAIGHT A IN THE 2017 KCSE EXAMS

68.9% attained university entry grade C+ and above compared to 11.5% national average

Nairobi, Saturday 23 December, 2017… Nine Wings to Fly beneficiaries scored straight As while 107 scored A minus in the in the 2017 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination. The nine were among 1,309 Wings to Fly scholars who qualified for university entry grade of C+ and above, representing 68.9 % of the 1,899 who sat the exam compared to the national qualifying rate of 11.5%.

The Wings to Fly scholars, who outperformed their peers, were treated to a celebratory breakfast event hosted by the Equity Group Bank CEO and Equity Group Foundation's Executive Chairman, Dr. James Mwangi. During the event, Dr. Mwangi inspired the young scholars to continue pursuing their dreams irrespective of their needy backgrounds. Further, he encouraged the young scholars to be good ambassadors of the Wings to Fly initiative, noting that it is through the programme that most scholars' lives continue to be transformed.

'Today we are honoring and recognizing your efforts and achievement in your KCSE examinations. You are distinguished because you have demonstrated your commitment, strength, and determination to move forward. Equity Group is proud to be associated with you and we share in your joy. As you join the Equity Bank Paid Internship Programme, we look forward to growing and enhancing this relationship for you to become even better members of the society,' Dr. Mwangi told the scholars present.

Further Dr. Mwangi said that the outstanding performance that the scholars have demonstrated over the years was a motivating factor for other partners to join the program and extend generous support thus contributing to the expansion of the scholarship opportunities to more deserving academically gifted children.

'I am pleased that these scholars continue to reward our efforts by working hard to get the scores we are witnessing. This is quite encouraging as we move into the next intake of the 2018 cohort. I am happy to confirm that these nine scholars together with the other 133 who scored A nationally plus the 107 Wings to Fly scholars who scored A minus, will join the Equity Bank paid internship program alongside the top boy and girl with an A minus from each sub-county where Equity Bank has a branch,' he said. The scholars will earn approximately Ksh 450,000, before they join university.

The 1,309 scholars who have qualified to join university this year will bring the total number of Wings to Fly scholars who have attained the minimum university entry grades to 6,778 since the inception of the programme. To date, the Wings to Fly program has offered a total 14,168 secondary scholarships to needy but bright pupils across the country of whom 8,144 have completed secondary education.

Now in its 8 year, the programme supports bright but economically challenged pupils, who would otherwise have been unable to join secondary school. Beneficiaries are selected through a rigorous process that reviews the most deserving cases who have met the minimum score of 350 marks in the KCPE examinations. The scholarship caters for tuition and boarding fees, books, uniform, transport to and from school as well as pocket money for the four years of secondary school. The programme also offers mentorship to the scholars through a branch based mentorship programme.

Equity Group, in partnership with Mastercard Foundation with support from other partners, has purposed to empower young scholars reach their academic and leadership potential through the Wings to Fly program. Dr. Mwangi noted that the positive impact of the program is evident by the fact that since its launch 8 years ago, the lives of the students, their families and their community continue to be transformed significantly.

Maxwell Ojiambo Ojiambo, one of the beneficiaries from Kanga High School who scored 81 points said that the program had enabled him focus in school without worrying about school fees.

'The Wings to Fly program saved me from being sent away from school due to lack of fees. I am excited that I will join the Equity Bank paid internship program where I will be coached and mentored while earning a stipend to support my studies in university where I hope to pursue Computer Science,' Maxwell said.

Dr. Mwangi who is also the Chairman of Kenya Vision 2030 noted that the Equity Leadership Program prepares the scholars to apply for admission to leading global universities in order for them to access opportunities for world class training, exposure and socialization. The programme is in line with Kenya's Vision 2030 of transforming Kenya into a globally competitive middle-income economy.

'This year, a total of 84 ELP scholars got admission to global universities. In addition, another 34 have received admission through the early decision cycle for 2018 bringing the total number of scholars admitted to date to 443.,' Dr Mwangi added.

Ends…

About the Wings to Fly Program

Wings to Fly program is a comprehensive secondary school Education and leadership program for top performing yet needy (orphan or vulnerable) students in Kenya. The Program is a partnership between Mastercard Foundation, Equity Group with support of USAID, German Government through KfW, and other partners. It is coordinated by Equity Group Foundation. The objective of the scholarship program is to provide financial support and leadership empowerment tools to the scholarship beneficiaries. The total number of scholarships given under the Wings to Fly since 2010 currently stands at 14,168. Every year the scholars attend an Annual Education and Leadership Congress to activate and inspire leadership as well as inculcating a culture of giving back to society. They interact with mentors, professionals, thought leaders, influencers and captains of industry who encourage them to take up leadership roles in schools. On average, 86% of the scholars hold one or several leadership positions during their secondary school academic life. Further, the program records a 97% secondary school completion rate with 88% of the scholars attaining university admission qualifying grades.

The Wings to Fly scholars who score an 'A' grade in their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KSCE) examination qualify to join the competitive Equity Leaders Program (ELP) alongside the best performing girl and boy in each sub-county. ELP gives the scholars an opportunity for paid internship in the bank during which they go through leadership and mentorship coaching. To date, the program has benefited 5,060 scholars with 443 of them proceeding to top global universities including Yale, Harvard, Columbia, MIT, and University of Pennsylvania.

Equity Group Foundation

Equity Group Foundation was established by Equity Bank to create the financial and operational infrastructure for implementation of social impact programs. This innovation and creative vehicle has fully transformed the concept of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility. While Equity Group Foundation champions the social economic transformation of the people of Africa and seeks partnership along seven thematic areas, Equity Bank provides the infrastructure for delivery hence reducing the operational cost while increasing the rate of return on the social investments. The seven thematic areas of the Foundation include Education and Leadership Development, Financial Literacy and Access, Entrepreneurship, Agriculture, Health, Energy, and Environment.

Mastercard Foundation

Mastercard Foundation is an independent, global organization based in Toronto, Canada. Through collaboration with partner organizations in 46 countries, it is creating opportunities for all people to learn and prosper. The Foundation's programs promote financial inclusion and advance youth learning, mostly in Africa. The Foundation is a separate and independent entity that established in 2006 through the generosity of MasterCard Worldwide when it became a public company. The policies, operations, and funding decisions of the Foundation are determined by its own Board of Directors and President and CEO.

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