By Silas Otieno

Recently, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program hosted an engaging info-session by the Program’s team from the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Designed as a platform for providing more insights and guidance regarding the application process for graduate and undergraduate studies, the event brought together over 40 Mastercard Foundation Scholars and 3 Mastercard Foundation alumni to discuss opportunities that the program offers.

The session was facilitated by Carol Ojwang, Program Director-Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape, alongside Sibulelo Ganda, Program Coordinator, Recruitment and Liaison for Postgraduate Studies–Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC. Organized by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Transition team at USIU-Africa, this initiative sought to foster a sense of dynamistic around the application process and participant readiness toward graduate and undergraduate studies at the institution.

The session offered a platform where participants engaged with the facilitators, and their unique inquiries about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC addressed. The event was more than just an information session. There were thought provoking discussions, where the students directly interacted with the facilitators, allowing them gain a deeper understanding into the program requirements as well as connecting and networking with facilitators on personal level.

Ms. Ojwang urged the participants to always heed to the instructions, express themselves in their authentic voices, and tell their unique stories. She mentioned that what makes a strong application is the preparedness and being authentic in how applicants express their narratives.

Building on this, Mr. Ganda advised the attendees to avoid the use of AI in their applications as it limits their potential of expressing their unique journeys. While acknowledging the competitiveness of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UWC, he encouraged the potential applicants that that should not worry them, but instead put their focus in bringing out the best in their narratives.

With overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, the success of this outreach has set a new path for both participants looking forward to furthering their studies at UWC, ensuring that students at any level are not only are aware about the opportunities but also possess the knowledge on how to navigate through them.