The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa welcomed its newest cohort of 77 Mastercard Foundation Scholars on Tuesday, April 22, kicking off an intensive two-week pre-university orientation designed to equip them with the tools they need to successfully transition into university life. The arrival of Cohort 10 brings the total number of Mastercard Foundation Scholars at USIU-Africa to 1,144, recruited from 29 African countries.

The pre-university orientation is a critical part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars’ journey, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to transition successfully into university life. It is also an important opportunity for them to meet each other and begin building the connections that will support them throughout their academic journey.

Speaking during the opening of the orientation, Linet Aguko, Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa, underscored the significance of this new chapter for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars.

"As Mastercard Foundation Scholars, you are part of a movement to create a generation of transformative leaders who will tackle the challenges facing our continent. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is invested in your academic success and also in your ability to lead change, innovation and uplift your communities. We are proud to walk alongside you as you begin this journey toward building a better, more equitable world," she said.

Mr. Eannes Ongus, Director of Advancement and Partnerships at USIU-Africa, also addressed the Mastercard Foundation Scholars, highlighting the importance of seizing the opportunity before them.

"Being a Mastercard Foundation Scholar and a student at USIU-Africa is a platform for you to dream boldly and act intentionally to solve the pressing challenges facing the country, continent and world. We will nurture you to become architects of progress, and in turn, we look forward to witnessing the transformations you will champion in your communities and beyond,” he said.

The first day of the pre-university orientation also featured a storytelling and brand session facilitated by Theodora Taliane Samba and Brian Kipchumba from the Mastercard Foundation’s Communications team. During this session, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars learned the importance of storytelling, how to share their personal journeys, and how they contribute to the broader vision and mission of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

The week culminated in a team-building retreat at Lake Naivasha Resort, where Mastercard Foundation Scholars bonded further with one another and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team, setting the stage for strong peer relationships that will support them throughout their time at USIU-Africa. The pre-university orientation will come to an end on May 2, after which they will join the undergraduate orientation.