By Rose Kamande and Silas Otieno

On May 30, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program mentors in partnership with Angaza Technology Literacy Centre, visit Gatundu High School for a mentorship session. While engaging with the students they highlighted their lived experience, lessons learnt so far and encouragement, bridging occasion with aspiration.

The session commenced with a brief introduction and opening remarks from Joseph Peter Mwaura, the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Angaza Centre. He shared the institution’s mission as an initiative that was created to improve the economic and social circumstances of young girls and boys in rural African secondary schools through the transformative power of technology access and digital literacy education. He also outlined the objectives of the mentorship program emphasizing on the importance of early exposure to such sessions.

The mentors then introduced themselves, sharing their diverse backgrounds, fields of study, and personal experiences. Marryann Wangare, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumnus, began the discussions with an overview of the Foundation, outlining its benefits and the comprehensive support available to diverse students. Encouraging the learners to stay committed to their education and pursuits, she remarked, “Everyone has a potential and you have to utilize it beyond the classroom. There are various opportunities meant specifically for you, which only comes when you give it your best and prove your readiness.”

Building on this, Deborah Naeku, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Technology student explored scholarship opportunities available at tertiary level. She shared her own journey of uncertainty and courage highlighting the strength of persistence and the urge to remain determined even when everything inside them suggests they are not ready. “You don’t need to have it all figured out, but believe that you belong in the room,” she remarked.

Deborah noted different Mastercard Foundation Scholarship partner institutions as well as other opportunities for potential applicants urging them to tap into these opportunities. Deborah advised the students to be purpose-driven adding that when the students have a clear sense of direction and passion, the right doors start to open.

The mentorship proceeded to interactive breakout sessions, where students in different classes engaged with the mentors on topics such as career guidance, academic performance, wellbeing, mental health awareness, leveraging sports, and peer influence. The sessions prompted insightful questions from students with mentors offering valuable guidance on overcoming challenges.

Mr Patric Kaara, the principal of the Gatundu High School, in his concluding remarks, expressed gratitude for the initiative, urging the students to embrace what they learnt and seize every opportunity to grow.