By Jacob Alier and Silas Otieno

Last Thursday, the Mastercard Foundation Scholar Council and the Chairperson of the Congressional Committee had a leadership dinner with the Program Director, Scholar Support Team, and Transition Team at Windsor Hotel.

The evening commenced with warm welcome remarks from the Program Director, who lauded the leadership and commitment of the Scholar Council, Congressional Committee, and Scholar Support Teams. The Program Director, Linet Aguko emphasized the importance of collective leadership in shaping the Mastercard Foundation Scholars' experience and encouraging a culture of excellence, service, and accountability.

The dinner provided a strategic platform to reflect on key initiatives that will enhance the Mastercard Foundation Scholars' experience at USIU-Africa. The Scholar Council President, Mr. Jacob Yen Alier took the floor to share reflections on the past year’s achievements, celebrating milestones reached while outlining key priorities for the months ahead.

One of the key points of discussion was strengthening engagement between the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and the Program Director. A structured schedule for regular engagements was introduced to enhance communication and mentorship. Additionally, the discussion covered upcoming activities, including leadership training, career development workshops, and community engagement initiatives. There was a strong emphasis on the Scholar Day of Service, aimed at encouraging meaningful contributions to community projects. Entrepreneurship and innovation took center stage with an emphasis on supporting Mastercard Foundation Scholars in the development of entrepreneurial ventures and transformative solutions.

Scholar welfare remained a priority, with key concerns addressed, including well-being, housing, and financial support, to ensure a holistic and enriching experience. The Graduate Associate Program was revisited as a crucial initiative in strengthening career pathways, connecting Mastercard Foundation Scholars with partner organizations and facilitating a seamless transition into the workplace.

The conversation further delved into financial sustainability, where the team explored strategies to promote financial literacy skills among Mastercard Foundation Scholars. Discussions highlighted the importance of managing personal finances, applying for external scholarships, and exploring innovative income-generating ventures that align with their aspirations. These reiterated the broader goal of preparing Mastercard Foundation Scholars for financial independence and long-term success beyond university life.

As the evening came to a close, the Program Director drew attention to the values that should guide all Mastercard Foundation Scholars in their journey at USIU-Africa. She stressed integrity, commitment, and service as guiding principles of leadership.