6000 Female Students Benefit from Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme

6000 female students from various institutions in Ghana have benefit from Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme over the past decade.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at CAMFED Ghana has helped 6000 young women and girls from high school to university level.

Launched in 2012, the programme aims to empower girls and young women, providing them with the skills needed to become leaders. It offers comprehensive support to academically talented young women in rural areas, helping them access secondary and tertiary education.

Speaking at a recent partnership event, Fairuza Safian, the National Director of CAMFED Ghana, stated that the programme selected beneficiaries from 32 districts across 12 regions of Ghana. The goal is to unlock the potential of bright but disadvantaged young women in rural areas and prepare them for leadership roles and community service.

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The Scholars Programme aims to build a network of dedicated educators in high schools and universities who are committed to inclusive and high-quality education. It also creates a strong alumnae network to enhance the impact of individual scholars.

Ms. Safian highlighted the extensive support provided, which includes full scholarships, psychological support, personal development, career services, networking opportunities, and leadership training.

The scholarship covers items such as textbooks, exercise books, uniforms, school bags, sandals, mathematical sets, menstrual pads, and dry food rations.

The scholarship also provides a laptop, modem, laptop bag, stipend, money for textbooks and transportation, and covers tuition and accommodation fees.

The programme equips scholars with the skills, values, and competencies needed to succeed economically and make positive social contributions. Ms. Safian expressed confidence that the programme has strengthened the education system. CAMFED Ghana collaborates with schools, universities, government, and other stakeholders to create a supportive environment for all young people, including marginalized girls and women.

Dr. A.B.T Zakariah, the Former Registrar of the University of Development Studies, praised the programme’s initiators for its success. He noted that many bright but needy students would not have had the chance to develop and compete with peers from wealthier backgrounds without this support.