A delegation from the Mastercard Foundation, led by the Lead for the Scholars Program Partner Network, Dr. Wilfrid Ahouansou, paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, on Thursday, 26th September 2024 at the Council Chamber of the University.
Professor Williams Otoo Ellis, Chairman of the Executive Advisory Board of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST, explained that the delegation's visit forms part of an effort to engage with KNUST’s Management, following the team’s recent assignment to the University. He also noted that the team sought to learn from KNUST's extensive experience in higher education and explore opportunities for strengthening and expanding ongoing initiatives under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST.
Dr. Wilfrid Ahouansou highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with KNUST. He noted that the delegation has had previous engagements with the Scholars at KNUST and has received valuable data and insights into their impact stories and how these accomplishments have contributed to the scholars' communities. The delegation disclosed plans to follow up on how to effectively unpack these stories, showcasing the journey from initial efforts to current achievements, emphasising that the approach aims to highlight the impacts and share key lessons with other partners.
The delegation expressed their admiration for the experienced Program Managers and the commitment of the scholars at KNUST, for their strong eagerness to positively impact lives and communities.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson underscored the importance of engaging the youth and cultivating their leadership skills. To this end, she pointed out the critical role the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program plays in developing ethical and transformative leaders. She highlighted the University’s commitment to empowering students to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.
The Vice-Chancellor assured the delegation of KNUST’s keenness on training ethical and transformative leaders who are well-equipped to serve Africa and the global community. She discussed some of the inspiring stories of scholars giving-back to their communities and making a difference in their respective communities.
Professor (Mrs.) Dickson expressed her appreciation for the continued support from the Mastercard Foundation and stated that the success of the Scholars Program at KNUST is a direct result of the collaborative efforts between KNUST and the Mastercard Foundation. "We salute the Mastercard Foundation for all the support we are receiving," she said.
Dr. Wilfrid Ahouansou was accompanied by Joyce Musuvi, Lead of Impact, Scholars Program; Yebe Diallo, Lead, Scholars Program Communications and Joseph Yaw Akyin, Communication Associate, Scholars Program Communications.
The KNUST team present at the visit were, Professor Kofi Owusu-Daaku, the Lead and Principal Investigator (PI) of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST; Ms. Afia Ampomah Awuah, Program Manager, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST; Mr. Courage Julius Logah, Principal Investigator (PI) of the Mastercard Foundation E-Learning Initiative; and Mr. Yaw Nimo-Baffour.
