Equity Foundation meet equips scholars with leadership skills

Centum CEO- Mr. James Mworia

NAIROBI, KENYA: Equity Group Foundation concluded a five-day Annual Education and Leadership congress that brought together over 4,000 students who are beneficiaries of its Wings to Fly scholarship Programme at the Moi International Sports Stadium in Nairobi.

Themed “Value based Leadership”, the Scholars were addressed and mentored by top academia, CEOs of corporate organisations, motivational speakers and government leaders.

Some of the key notable speakers included Industrialist- Dr. Manu Chandaraia, Centum CEO- Mr. James Mworia, Popular TV Host Jeff Koinange, IBM Research Director- Dr. Kamal Bhattacharya, Chief Justice of Kenya- Hon. Justice Willy  Mutunga, Founder and Chairman Mt. Kenya University- Dr. Simon Gicharu, PS Ministry of Education- Dr. Belio Kipsang, Deputy Governor Central Bank of Kenya- Ms. Ms Sheila M’Mbijjewe, Vice Dean of Executive Talent Development at Strathmore Business School- Patricia Murugami amongst other industry leaders.

Guided by the proposed theme, the speakers focused on assisting the scholars to look at leadership as an opportunity to serve.

“Making effort is not doing what others do. It is doing something new for others to follow” Dr. Manu Chandaria said.

Echoing his sentiments was Patricia Murugami who said “Life is like google, you just need to know what you are searching for.”

Dr. James Mwangi, Executive Chairman, Equity Group Foundation further reiterated the key speakers’ messages by stating that “Being a leader, commands you to be a leader in every circumstances. We have an objective of having 30,000 wings to Fly Leaders in 10 years”

The event also sought to nurture leadership skills and create a global mindset in Equity scholars by exposing them to mentoring opportunities by outstanding role models drawn from business, professionals, academia, the public service and partners amongst others:

“You are being nurtured to be global leaders. Globalize your mind, there is life beyond your community and nation,” said Dr. Mwangi.

Wings To Fly program was launched in 2010 with an initial 5000 scholarships from The MasterCard Foundation. The program has since surpassed its target and benefited over 10,377 scholars to date. These students have excelled in national exams, with 93 % qualifying for university, with majority assuming leadership positions in their schools and communities. Their performance has been nothing short of inspiring, validating our belief that given an opportunity, low income people are as capable and are industrious enough to work their way into prosperity’’. Dr Mwangi said.