Beyond the energy of the 2025 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Summer Camp opening ceremony at KNUST, the heart of the camp lies in the stories of its participants.
This year, six scholars, ranging from first-time attendees to returning participants, shared their journeys, expectations, and how the camp has shaped their growth over the years. For first timers, the camp brimmed with excitement and anticipation.
They looked forward to gaining new skills, exploring fresh opportunities, and building meaningful connections that would enrich both their personal and academic lives.
Iberi Oluchi Favour, a first-year Computer Science student, expressed her trust in the Program’s training.
“I believe in Mastercard, and I know that whatever they give us is quality. I applied for the makeup and nails class because I want to start a business after the camp. I also hope to meet new people both in and outside my class, and learn from great tutors,” she said.
Similarly, Laarib James Biinamin, a first-year Junior High School Specialism student, chose Soap Making with a vision of sharing the skill back home. “I expect to be able to impact my community, train my younger siblings, and the young leaders in our community with the skill,” he shared.
John Tawiah, a first-year Education student, saw the culinary arts as a way to redirect youth in his community. “I stay at Asafo, and most of the youth in my community are into smoking, gambling, and the like. I hope to empower them with this skill, the culinary arts, to build a positive environment,” he explained.
For Munkalia Alimatu, a Medical Laboratory Science student, the camp was her first opportunity to engage in structured skills training. With a passion for makeup and nail artistry, she looked forward to nurturing that interest while giving back.
“Growing up, I’ve always had a passion for Makeup and Nail Artistry, and that is why I chose it. I also hope to train my peers in my community and equip them with the skill,” she expressed.
Second-time participants carried with them the lessons of past camps. For them, returning was about building on momentum and expanding their reach.
Akabore Wenawomea Priscilla, a Linguistics student, explained how last year’s training became a stepping stone. “I did yoghurt making last year, and that helped me with my project. I went to a senior high school to teach them the skill, and I also have two mentees that I’m training. I’m taking fashion this time around to gain skills in pattern making for sewing,” she elaborated. For third timers, the camp had become a journey of deepened growth.
They spoke of transformation, confidence, and clarity of purpose that came with consistent participation. Mirembe Judith Byaruhanga, a Food Science student, chose to revisit makeup training while combining it with skills she had already monetized.
“I want to learn Makeup again because I want to combine it with wig making so that I can work on a bride myself. I sent some of the wigs I made home and showed them to my mother’s friends, and I started making some for them.
Now, I have six pending orders to deliver,” she said. Whether through the wide-eyed excitement of first-time participants or the reflective wisdom of seasoned attendees, the camp continues to equip scholars with tools for self-reliance and community impact. Since its inception at KNUST in 2014, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) has grown into one of the university’s flagship initiatives for nurturing transformative leaders.
As part of its enrichment activities, the Program hosts an annual Summer Camp, which brings together over 1,200 scholars for two weeks of skills training, exhibitions, and recreational activities.
The camp is designed to equip participants with entrepreneurial disciplines and soft skills that complement their academic studies while unlocking their potential to create lasting impact in society.
