TOP KCSE SCHOLARS   JOIN THE PRESTIGIOUS EQUITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

 Equity Group Foundation has  selected   seven hundred and fifty  top secondary school graduates to its prestigious Equity Leaders Programme (ELP). These top-performing students who are joining the pre- university paid internship programme  within the ELP will embark on a six-month internship at Equity Bank branches nationwide as they prepare for their university journey later this year.

The cohort consists of  three hundred and  fifty   Wings to Fly  and Elimu scholars who achieved grade A plain  and A minus,    one hundred and sixty seven  top-performing students from each sub-county who scored grade A  plain , as well as two hundred and  thirty three  top national scholars who earned a minimum of grade A  plain  with  eighty  four  points in their final exams.

Change makers

While addressing the scholars at the commissioning ceremony, Equity Group Foundation  executive chairman, Dr. James Mwangi, said  :  “You are here today because you have demonstrated consistent excellence and determination in your academic journey, and we are proud to have you join us as part of this transformative experience.”  He added  :  “ This programme  is not just about providing you with valuable work experience, it’s about nurturing your leadership skills, empowering you to become change-makers in your communities and beyond, and equipping you with the tools to succeed in both your university studies and your  professions  in  future.” 

The commissioning ceremony was held after a two-week intensive induction programme  which included interactions with leaders from various industries, including Equity Group’s leadership team. Scholars engaged in discussions on leadership, personal growth, and community development, ensuring a holistic approach to their learning experience. These insights will help position them for success in their academic and future careers.

Values

During their two-week induction, the scholars were addressed by Equity Bank Kenya managing director, Moses Nyabanda, who emphasized the importance of trust, honesty, and integrity in leadership. “As future leaders, it is crucial that you are known for your principles,” he said.   He  emphasized   that the bank   believes   in values such as professionalism, integrity, creativity, innovation, teamwork,  a shared purpose,  respect and dignity for its  customers, as well as strong corporate governance. “  We challenge each of you to embody these values, not only in your work, but also in your everyday life as you step into roles that will shape the future,”  he added.

 As part of the programme,   the interns will receive a monthly stipend during their six-month internship.    A  portion of this   stipend  will  be    saved and released to them upon their transition to university to instill a savings   culture early. This initiative helps facilitate a smooth academic transition, providing financial support for their higher education. The scholars receive mentorship and coaching from globally experienced and accomplished professionals with diverse skills to deepen their knowledge before they settle on  the    careers  they want to pursue.

Testimonials

Dieume Baraka, a former student of Starehe Boys Centre who  scored  an A  plain  in the 2024 KCSE and is also an alumnus of the Elimu scholarship programme, shared his journey :   “Coming from a background marked by unimaginable hardship, I have always believed that education is the key to a brighter future.”  He added  :  “  Despite the many challenges I faced, whether it was living in refugee camps, enduring displacement, or struggling with the basic needs for my education, I remained focused on my dream of bringing change to my community.”  Baraka   hopes   to study a course at university,  that will  equip  him  with the knowledge  to   contribute to the healing of his   community and beyond.

By  the same  token,   Salmo Abdullahi Hassan, a former student of Parklands Arya Girls Secondary School who scored   an A minus  in the 2024 KCSE said :  ”  I am  glad  to  be  part  of   the   Equity Leaders Programme .”

In  the same  regard,   Elema Badaqe Duba, a former student of Makueni Boys high school who scored   an A minus  in the 2024 KCSE and is also an alumnus of the Wings to Fly programme  stated :  “Growing up in Marsabit as the firstborn in a family of seven, I faced immense challenges, including sleeping outside due to the high temperatures and walking long distances to school.”  He added :  “  Despite these hardships, I remained determined to excel academically.”

Impact

Since inception,  ELP   has grown significantly supporting 29,515 scholars studying at local and global universities.    During the internship, the  scholars are nurtured to succeed and thrive in the workplace through mentorship, leadership, life skills, and work readiness training. They also have an opportunity to join Equity’s bespoke college counselling programme  that has to date supported nine hundred and seventy   scholars to attend global universities on fully funded scholarships across  two hundred and thirty  three   universities in  thirty seven   countries and  six  continents.  Two  hundred  and  four  scholars    in  this   programme   have    attended Ivy league universities.

The global scholars benefit from a comprehensive two-month college counselling programme   where they receive expert guidance on essay writing, university selection, and exam preparation. Additionally, a week-long boot camp equips them with the necessary skills to navigate the transition to university life and thrive as global scholars. This  programme   is a manifestation of Equity’s commitment to a creative approach to knowledge exchange and global interconnectedness.  It  goes beyond traditional academic frameworks, emphasizing critical thinking, leadership training, and exposure to diverse educational environments.   In  the same vein,  it   breaks  down geographical barriers, offering African scholars access to world-class education. This not only creates a pipeline of globally competitive talent,   but also fosters innovation through exposure to diverse educational environments and methodologies. Ultimately, it   prepares    students for the global stage, fostering innovation through exposure to different perspectives and challenges.

 ELP   continues to impact the lives of countless young people by preparing them to thrive in their future educational and professional endeavours. Alongside entrepreneurship in various sectors of the economy, ELP alumni have   established   one  hundred  and  thirty  two   Equity Afya medical centres   in all  forty seven  counties of Kenya.  Five   units  were   established in DRC in 2024.