Kigali, 9th August 2024… Equity Bank Rwanda, under the leadership of Board Chairman Col. Eugene Haguma and Managing Director Hannington Namara, has commissioned the airlift of 17 scholars who have secured admission and scholarships to join 17 global universities across the world. These scholars are part of the third intake of the Equity Leaders Program, launched in Rwanda in 2021. Equity Bank Rwanda has provided each scholar with an airlift token ranging from RWF 500,000 to RWF 2 million, depending on their destination. This token will support them in their post admission expenses as they transition into their respective universities.

The scholars have also participated in the Equity paid-internship program and have benefited from a comprehensive college counseling program over the past six months. This program includes coaching and mentoring on essay writing, university selection, and training for admissions exams. The Bank also supports in paying for English Proficiency Tests, SAT, and other pre-admission expenses-something that gives them an upper hand to access global University exposures.

At the airlift ceremony, Rtd. Col. Eugene Haguma emphasized the importance of character, resilience, and continuous learning in shaping their futures. He encouraged them to leverage their academic achievements and the support of the Equity Leaders Program to drive impactful change within their communities.

This year’s 19 admissions, brings the total to 44 global scholars and 58 local scholars who have benefited from the college counseling program, successfully receiving admission to prestigious global and local universities on fully funded scholarships.

In his remarks, Hannington Namara the Managing Director, stated, “The Equity Leaders Program is not just about academic excellence, it’s about empowering you to become agents of change and leaders in your communities. As you embark on this journey, remember that you are now colleagues and ambassadors of transformation. The sky isn’t the limit; continue to soar, create impact, and carry the responsibility of delivering the change you envision, supported by the Equity Leaders alumni community.”

Since its roll-out in Rwanda in 2021, the Equity Leaders Program has positively impacted over 102 students. A considerable number of these scholars have successfully transitioned to attend esteemed local and international universities. This includes prestigious Ivy League institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Columbia, and Princeton University.

The Equity Leadership Program, an initiative of the Equity Group Foundation established in 1998, aims to nurture leadership skills in promising youth. This rigorous leadership development program selects top performing students from the Equity Group banking subsidiaries, creating a community of transformative leaders who will collaborate across borders and sectors to drive sustainable economic growth and social progress in Africa.