By: Brenda Odhiambo

Last Friday, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa held a special graduation dinner at Glee Hotel to honor the first cohort of graduating Mastercard Foundation Scholars. The event brought together the Mastercard Foundation Scholars, their parents, university leadership, and representatives from the Mastercard Foundation, including President and CEO Reeta Roy.

Also in attendance from the Mastercard Foundation were Tina Muparadzi, Executive Director, Education and Transitions; Ivy Mwai, Head, Scholars Program Partner Network; Doug Kasambala, Chief Financial Officer; and Hannah Tsadik, Acting Country Director, Kenya and Senior Director, Policy and Thought Leadership.

USIU-Africa was represented by Vice Chancellor Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi and Deputy Vice Chancellor-Student Life Dr. Victor Boiyo. Several Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partners were also in attendance to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class.

The event kicked off with remarks from parents, who acknowledged the role that the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa had played in the students’ lives. Samuel Gachango, Virginia Njeri’s guardian, reflected on his daughter’s journey and the opportunities the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa had opened for her. Similarly, Rose Achieng, mother of Joyce Achieng, expressed her pride and gratitude for her daughter’s growth and accomplishments, crediting the Mastercard Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa for transforming her life.

The graduating Mastercard Foundation Scholars also had their moment to speak, with representatives Amos Onyancha and Exode Malengani sharing inspiring reflections on their academic journeys and their aspirations for the future. They emphasized the importance of the community built and skills and knowledge gained during their time at USIU-Africa, urging the graduating class to remain consistent in their pursuit of learning and growth.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi congratulated the graduating Mastercard Foundation Scholars and reflected on the partnership between USIU-Africa and the Mastercard Foundation.

“We are the product of those who have invested in us, and you are here today because someone believed in your potential,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of service and the value of giving back. “When we serve, we prosper. Giving back with an open hand allows us to receive with an open hand,” he added.

Prof. Ntarangwi also expressed his pride in how USIU-Africa had prepared the Mastercard Foundation Scholars to thrive in the world.

“The world doesn’t need people who can just memorize information. It needs bold individuals with an ‘I can do it’ attitude,” he said, quoting Australian visual artist Laila Watson to illustrate Mastercard Foundation’s partnership philosophy: “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

In her remarks, Mastercard Foundation President and CEO Reeta Roy thanked the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and their families, acknowledging their four-year journey that had culminated into the graduation of the first cohort.

“Tonight, we’re not here in formal roles: we are family—moms, dads, brothers, sisters, and children, all gathered to celebrate these extraordinary individuals,” she said. She also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the parents and guardians, thanking them for their unwavering support. “You’ve walked this journey with your children, and we are so proud of them,” she added.

Reeta encouraged the Mastercard Foundation Scholars to shine their light in the world.

“You will be community builders, peace builders, and bridge builders. The world may seem challenging at times, but it needs your energy, talent, and spirit. Keep shining and stay together because your light will shine brighter as a collective,” she said.

The evening ended with an awards ceremony that acknowledged the achievements of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars across various fields. Some of the winners of the evening included:

• Outstanding Leadership Award: Ongere Amos Onyancha.
• Outstanding Academic Performance Award: Ongere Amos Onyancha, Silas Ooko Otieno, Ayieko Titus Odiero, Winnie Msamba, Exode Malengani.
• Outstanding Social Venture Initiative Award: Silas Ooko Otieno, Ayieko Titus Odiero, Pride Onyango Nyando (Eco Clean Fuel Venture), Virginia Wanjiku Njeri (Africa Potato Giants Venture).
• Best All-Rounded Mastercard Foundation Scholar: Ayieko Titus Odiero.
• Outstanding Community Impact Award: Joyce Achieng Otieno.