Equity Group Foundation (EGF), in collaboration with partners, is mentoring and empowering 18,442 Wings to Fly and Elimu scholars through leadership development, values-driven education, and a deep focus on innovation as a driver of transformation.
Equity Group Foundation’s leadership, Equity Bank staff, and senior stakeholders from the Ministry of Education, UNHCR, the Department of Refugee Services, captains of industry, academia, and teacher champions are going to mentor the scholars through plenary sessions during the two full days Congress.
This is ongoing at Equity Group Foundation’s 16th Annual Education and Leadership Congress, bringing together 18,442 Wings to Fly and Elimu scholars from across 11 regions in Kenya, including 2,512 refugee scholars from Dadaab and Kakuma camps.
Speaking to the scholars convening at Kabarak University, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman, James Mwangi, said: “It is the time that we come together. Those who are united with the purpose of pursuing education as a means of changing the lives of our young people to take account of what has happened in the last one year. To converse, discuss how we can make ourselves better and how we can up our game.
“I have been part of this for the last 16 years. The 16th Congress comes at a time that we again challenge each other on how we can better ourselves. Education is the most powerful tool of transforming lives. It is a tool that empowers individuals and a tool that can never be stolen. We become better when we hold intellectual conversations and challenge each other. It’s deepening our thinking and our reasoning so that we can solve problems better than before. That’s what education is for.”
Other than Nakuru, scholars have converged in Mombasa, Machakos, Meru, Eldoret, Lodwar, Kakuma – Tumaini Girls Secondary School, Kakuma – Big Hearts Foundation Girls Secondary School, Daadab, Garissa, and Nairobi.
“We believe that true transformation begins with empowered minds. Through mentorship, innovation, and access to quality education, we are nurturing a generation of ethical, solution-driven leaders who will shape the future of Africa. These scholars are not just students, they are catalysts of change, and their potential is limitless.
“Our unique model intertwines world-class education, transformative mentorship, and strong ethical values to create true agents of change. This congress represents the power of our holistic approach: where scholarships meet leadership development, where potential meets opportunity, and where today’s students become tomorrow’s innovators,” said Mwangi.
The Wings to Fly and Elimu scholarship programs, spearheaded by Equity Group Foundation in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, the World Bank, Ministry of Education, KfW (German Development Bank), and Equity Bank, provide comprehensive support for bright but financially disadvantaged students across Kenya.
To date, 60,009 scholars, (22,009 Wings to Fly Scholarships and 38,000 Elimu) have benefited from these programs, receiving full scholarships and mentorship support throughout their secondary education journey.
Kabarak University Vice Chancellor Prof Henry Kiplangat said: “I would like at this point to congratulate and thank James Mwangi for the noble idea to establish Wings to Fly a scholarship program to support and mentor the youth of Kenya. The graduates of this program become resourceful in the society and responsible leaders in various sectors of the Kenyan society.
“It is fundamental truth that education provides wings to fly. We call upon other corporate entities to emulate Equity Bank in supporting the Kenyan children in realizing their dreams. I trust that the knowledge you will gain during this Congress, young people, will guide you as you continue your academic journey.”
Kuresha Hassan, a Form Four student at Kipkelion Girls High School and a beneficiary of the Wings to Fly scholarship, said the April holiday mentorship program has been very resourceful to her.
“I have learned a lot during the two-day mentorship, especially how to handle peer pressure. This scholarship means a lot to me, and I will work hard to excel in my exams. It has opened academic doors I never imagined possible, and I am more confident in my dreams. I now believe that with determination and support, I can achieve anything I set my mind to,” said Hassan.
Phabian Wilson Waithaka, an alumnus of Karima Boys High School in Nyeri, and a beneficiary of the Equity Leaders Program (ELP), celebrated his outstanding academic achievements. He recalled his impressive A grade with 82 points in the 2023 KCSE exams, a significant milestone for his school, as the school had last recorded an A in 2013.
“I was also a top student in Othaya Sub County that year. I was picked as a pre university intern and interned at Nakuru West Side Mall branch for 6 months and was nurtured through a mentorship that guided me on applying to prestigious institutions worldwide, resulting in multiple admissions. This mentorship paved the way for global opportunities.
“I received offers from esteemed universities worldwide, including the University of British Columbia, the University of Perch, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am joining Princeton University, the number one university in the US for the last 15 years,” he said, adding that he will benefit from a full sponsorship for his annual school fees of USD 95,713.