1,000 Bright But Financially Challenged Students To Benefit From Equity Bank’s Wings To Fly

1,000 top performers in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) who are academically gifted but financially challenged and who are drawn from every part of Kenya, have been awarded comprehensive four-year secondary school scholarships under Equity Group Foundation’s (EGF) Wings to Fly program.

These high-achieving scholars have been commissioned following an intensive 2-day induction and training program held at Pangani Girls’ High School in Nairobi, during which they learn what to expect in high school, reading and studying methods, and expectations including their school performance as well as an in-depth orientation of Equity Group’s Academic Policy and Code of Conduct.

This latest cohort brings the total number of beneficiaries from EGF and its partners to 60,009 secondary scholarships to date. The Wings to Fly program boasts a remarkable track record, with an average secondary school completion rate of 97% since inception with 82% of graduating students achieving university entry grades, demonstrating the program’s commitment to academic excellence.

The Wings to Fly program was established by Equity Group Foundation in partnership with Mastercard Foundation and with support from the German Government through KfW, USAID, and UKAID, alongside other partners including individual benefactors. The program provides comprehensive secondary school scholarships to academically gifted yet economically disadvantaged and vulnerable students from all over Kenya.

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In addition to the scholarships, the beneficiaries also receive revision books, school uniforms, transportation to their respective schools, pocket money, and scheduled mentorship and leadership training sessions. This holistic approach ensures that the scholars are well-equipped for academic success and develop into well-rounded individuals.

Speaking at the commissioning event, Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Ezekiel Machogu represented by Elijah Mungai, Director of Projects Coordination, State Department of Basic Education said, “This initiative is proof that well-structured public-private partnerships can make a significant contribution to Kenya’s social and economic agenda. I call upon other corporates of goodwill to step up to the challenge of helping the country address its socio-economic limitations and bring us closer to achieving the ideals crafted under Vision 2030”.

Addressing the new cohort of scholars, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman Dr. James Mwangi said, “This scholarship is not just a ticket to academic excellence but a gateway to your dreams. This program is about allowing you to change your circumstances. The comprehensive scholarship will take care of all that you will need to succeed in the next four years of your secondary school education.”

H.E. Hon. Johnson Sakaja, Governor of Nairobi County further added “This program has transformed the lives and prospects of thousands of young Kenyans from across the country. The scholars being commissioned today have shown that they can make use of the talents they received. They have seen wonderful examples from scholars who went before them, and it is now up to them to ensure that their future is not determined by their backgrounds” he further added “I would like to appreciate the vision and diligence of Equity Bank in creating a scholarship program that targets bright children from financially challenging backgrounds. This vision to take scholars from across the country and support them through education is transformative.”

Mr. Oskar von Maltzan the KfW Development Bank Country Director, also acknowledged the impact of the Wings to Fly program, stating,” We are proud to be associated with this program, and it is great to see the successes that have come over the years. KfW has financed about 5,000 Wings to Fly scholarships for secondary schools and vocational training, to the tune of KES. 4 billion of grant funds from the German government. We are not doing this alone; we are working with the Ministry of Education and the Government of Kenya and are happy that in Equity Group Foundation we have found a partner who puts to use well these funds in promoting young people who are academically gifted but from financially challenged background to move ahead and have a future.”

The selection process for the Wings to Fly scholarships is both rigorous and transparent, involving community-based verification and monitoring. Members of the Community Scholarship Selection Boards (CSSBs) across the country diligently review applications, conduct face-to-face interviews, and make home visits. This thorough process ensures that scholarships are awarded to the most deserving scholars, thereby maintaining the integrity and effe