On Monday, August 12, 2024, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa welcomed the ninth cohort of 243 Mastercard Foundation Scholars to the university. The Scholars, who are currently taking part in a two-week pre-university orientation program, are the biggest cohort to be admitted in the Program’s history. The 243 Mastercard Foundation Scholars hail from 22 different African countries, with Mozambique and Congo Brazzaville being represented for the first time. Notably, the cohort includes 72 refugees and displaced youth from 11 host countries, including new representations from Libya and Ghana, reflecting the Program's growing impact.

The pre-university orientation, designed to equip the Mastercard Foundation Scholars with essential life and academic skills, will run from August 12 to August 24, 2024. Speaking during the session, the Program Director, Ms. Linet Aguko welcomed the Mastercard Foundation Scholars, emphasizing the seriousness of the transformative journey that lay ahead.

"We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional group of young leaders to USIU-Africa. The diversity within Cohort 9, with students from 22 countries and the highest number of refugees and displaced youth to date, is a representation of the Mastercard Foundation's and USIU-Africa’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, “she said.

“As you embark on this academic journey, you are not just joining a university; you are becoming part of a global network of changemakers. Your unique perspectives and experiences will enrich our community, and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way as you work towards your dreams and contribute to the betterment of our continent," she added.

Mr. Eannes Ongus, Director of Advancement and Partnerships, extended a warm welcome to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars, affirming the university’s dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a spirit of innovation.

"It is with great pleasure that I welcome the ninth cohort of Mastercard Foundation Scholars to USIU-Africa. This cohort represents the incredible potential of Africa’s youth. The inclusion of Mastercard Foundation Scholars from first-time countries like Mozambique, Congo Brazzaville, and Libya underscores our commitment to inclusivity and creating opportunities for young people from all walks of life. As you join our vibrant academic community, I encourage you to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” he noted.

“At USIU-Africa, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and societies. You are here because you have demonstrated exceptional promise, resilience, and a commitment to positive change. We are excited to see how you will contribute to our university and, more importantly, how you will impact the world," he concluded.

The pre-university orientation also featured a session with other partners within the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program network. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars had the opportunity to interact with Prof. Anne Marie Kagwesage, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda and Dr. Grace Ramafi, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria.

In their address, both Program Directors urged the Mastercard Foundation Scholars to make the most of their time on campus, to become transformative leaders as envisioned by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. They also impressed upon the Mastercard Foundation Scholars that it was through sheer hard work that they would develop into well-rounded graduates poised to initiate real change.

The first week of the pre-orientation closed with a team building session, where the Mastercard Foundation Scholars had a chance to engage deeper with the Program team as well as with other Mastercard Foundation Scholars in the Program.

Since July 2020, USIU-Africa has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, with the first cohort of Scholars enrolled in September of the same year. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa seeks to recruit, educate, prepare, and transition 1,100 youth into dignified work, higher education, or entrepreneurship. So far, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has recruited nine cohorts of 1076 Scholars from 29 African countries.