By Wambui Cheche
In January 2023, 45 Mastercard Foundation Scholars at USIU-Africa with a passion for mentorship launched a mentors program that visits schools within Kenya to speak on various topics including academic excellence, self-awareness, drug and substance abuse, and transformative leadership. This initiative aims to cultivate leadership skills, public speaking confidence, and a spirit of giving back among the Scholars, while inspiring students in the various schools they visit.

Last Saturday, the Scholar mentors visited Still I Rise International School, engaging over 200 pupils in Seekers class, MYP1, MYP2, and MYP3. Discussions focused on academic excellence, choosing the right friends, and navigating peer pressure. The Scholars also shared personal experiences highlighting how they overcame challenges to excel academically. The School was appreciative to start this partnership as mentorship from young adults whom the students can easily relate to has been one of the areas lacking in their programs.

So far, the mentorship program has impacted several schools, such as; Garden Estate Secondary School, Kibera School for Girls, Isiolo Girls High School, Kisima Mixed Secondary school, and Cheleta Primary School.