Beneficiaries of Elimu and Wings to Fly scholarships have been urged to reciprocate the financial support by working hard and realizing their dreams in a bid to liberate their families from poverty.
St Joseph's Boys School Kitale Chief Principal Mr. Cosmas Nabungolo argued that the support platform offered by the government and Equity Bank to unprivileged students presents them the best opportunity to hit their targets through hard work.
Addressing over 1000 students from five counties attending a three-day mentorship summit at his school, Nabungolo said the privilege offered to the affected students should not be drained but help them shape their future and add value to the country.
Nabungolo advised the students not to waste the opportunity given to them by the State, the Equity Bank and other development partners including the World Bank in pursuit of their respective dreams.
Nabungolo reminded the learners that education was an equalizer and that it was through education that their families will overcome the economic challenges facing them.
"This is a real opportunity and don't waste it. It is a good gesture from the government, the Equity bank and other partners involved. Reciprocate by working hard in order to add value to the country and those supporting this noble course," said Nabungolo.
He encouraged the students to make personal sacrifices by ensuring they hit their academic targets.
"The sponsorship has given you an equal opportunity with other students from well-off families. The only task you have is to work hard and hit your targets," he said.
While lauding the Equity Bank for the mentorship congress, Nabungolo said the forum has aided students to exchange good values and also boosted integration.
"The mentorship summit has become a foundation of a high level of discipline and performance among the learners. The students under the program are not only disciplined but top performers," said Nabungolo.
The summit, Nabungolo said has promoted national integration and enhanced unity among students.
"The integration among the learners is instrumental for the unity of the country as the students are pursuing common agenda," he said.
Mr. Bildard Fwamba, the General Manager Internal Audit at Equity Bank said the mentorship forum has given students the opportunity to network and promising academic and career paths.
"The mentorship summit has offered the students the forum to exchange their ideas and interact," he said.
The forum he said train, mentor, and equip the students with knowledge on leadership and entrepreneurship.
"We train, coach, counsel and mentor the students on discipline ethic leadership and entrepreneurship skills so that when they come out of school, they have a value of life," he said.
The form one and two students were drawn from schools in Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Uasin Gishu counties.
