Some 1,600 beneficiaries of Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholarship programmes drawn from across Rift Valley region have congregated in Nakuru for the 15th Annual Education and Leadership Congress.
The beneficiaries converged at Nakuru High for the event themed Educate, Empower, Lead: The Triad to Success.’
In the Annual Education and Leadership Congress, cohorts of the programme come together for a week-long intensive, inspiring and educative forum.
They get to learn from the role models in society such as successful professionals, government persons, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
The programme has so far supported over 60,000 bright but economically challenged scholars.
In her keynote address, Equity Group Associate Director for Public Sector and Institutional Banking, Ambassador Mary Mugwanja urged scholars to take charge of their destinies and leave lasting impacts in society.
“Let us examine our purpose, values and how we can positively impact the world through education and leadership. Your accomplishments thus far are a testament to your hard work, dedication and intellectual prowess. Beyond personal victories, they serve as beacons of hope and inspiration to your peers and community,” said Mugwanja.
She said education goes beyond textbooks and classrooms, describing it as a journey that opens doors, broadens horizons and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the world confidently.
“To make education wholesome, find mentors to offer you guidance and wisdom based on their experiences, learning from their successes and failures. Knowledge acquired must be applied in real life through internships, volunteer work or outreach programmes,” she added.
To promote academic success and foster personal empowerment, the former diplomat advised the scholars to set clear goals, develop effective study habits, seek guidance as well as embrace perseverance and resilience.
“Aspire to be great and visionary leaders of tomorrow. Education and empowerment provide the key foundation for effective leadership, equipping individuals with the knowledge, confidence and empathy necessary for leading with a purpose,” she said.
Several other speakers offered mentorship to the scholars, including officials from Kenya Red Cross Society, Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services (KUCCPS) and captains of industries.
Guest speaker and Nakuru County Director for Education, Victoria Mulili advised the scholars to strive towards becoming icons and worthy reference points in their respective communities.
“By the time you finish high school, you should be an all-round person courtesy of this annual mentorship and coaching initiative. Never stop dreaming, never stop believing in yourself and never stop learning,” said Mulili.
She added that students must remain open minded to new ideas and extra knowledge besides academic work.
Mulili hailed Equity for empowering the youth and transforming their lives through education scholarships and leadership mentorships.
