2025 Orientation for Newly enrolled Scholars of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) held an orientation session for its newly enrolled Scholars on Monday, 6th January 2025, and Wednesday, 8th January 2025. The two-day event was designed to welcome the Scholars to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST while equipping them with essential knowledge and resources for their academic and personal growth.
The orientation session began with a warm welcome from the Program Manager, Ms. Afia Ampomah Awuah, who introduced the Scholars to the Program at KNUST Team, the values, vision, and goals of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST. The address urged the Scholars to seize the opportunities provided by the Program, including academic support, mentorship, and community-focused projects.
She highlighted the Program’s administration and Scholars’ support services and how Scholars’ can access these services; that is academic support and wellbeing support. As students of KNUST, they are required to abide by the Students’ Guide and Code of Conduct, whereas as Scholars, they are required to abide by the Scholars’ Handbook (from the Mastercard Foundation) and the Scholars’ Guide (from the Program at KNUST).
The Deputy Program Manager (Recruitment), Mr. Samuel Nash, spoke about the rigorous selection process, explaining how the Program identifies exceptional young leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their respective communities. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars at KNUST were also introduced to the Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund (SEF), which is designed to assist Scholars with innovative business ideas capable of creating lasting impact in their communities and the world at large.
The Communications and Branding Officer, Mr. Julius Agyabeng, delivered a session on the Program’s communication structure, introducing the Scholars to the official platforms for accessing information and staying engaged. This session also outlined what is expected of them as representatives of the program and encouraged them to reflect the values of excellence, reliability, and innovation in their daily activities.
Next, the Deputy Program Manager (Logistics), Mr. Daniel Quansah Bassaw, presented an overview of the other support systems available to the Scholars, such as accommodations, access to technology, and transportation services. The Scholars were also briefed on the rules and policies governing these provisions to ensure they use them responsibly during their stay at KNUST.
In the absence of the Career Development Center (CDC) Officer, Mr. Peter Kwabena Essien, the Program Associate, Mr. Benard Owusu Ansah Agyekum, addressed the Scholars on how the Program supports their career paths. This session touched on available opportunities for internships, networking, and skill development, helping the Scholars prepare for life after university.
The Chief Counselor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Stephen Kofi Jantuah, also took the stage to introduce the Scholars to the Program’s Counseling Unit and the KNUST Counselling Centre (KCC). This session emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive psychosocial environment, seeking guidance when needed, and making use of the counseling services available. The Scholars were encouraged to take advantage of the support structures in place to help them navigate academic pressures, personal challenges, and career-related concerns in a healthy and balanced manner.
The Liaison (Community Engagement and Mentorship Program (CEMP)) Officer explained how Scholars can engage with communities through various impactful initiatives. The session outlined the role of mentorship in developing leadership skills and making meaningful contributions to society.
The Alumni Coordinator, Ms. Sandra Attitsugbui, shared details about the Program’s strong alumni network, which serves as a valuable resource for Scholars even after graduation. The presentation reassured them that they are part of a larger community of changemakers, and that there are countless opportunities for collaboration and support at their disposal.
To further enhance the Scholars’ experience, the staff of the Scholars Program were formally introduced, giving the new cohort an understanding of whom to approach for guidance or assistance during their time on the Program.
The Coordinating Lead, Mastercard Foundation Programs and the Principal Investigator (P.I.) of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST, Prof. Kofi Owusu-Daaku, reminded the Scholars of their dual roles as students of KNUST and stakeholders of the Scholars Program at KNUST. They emphasized the importance of adhering to the university’s rules and policies while making the most of the opportunities available. The P.I. also shared practical advice to help the Scholars succeed academically and grow personally.
The Program concluded with an address by the Chairman of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at KNUST, Prof. William Otoo-Ellis. He highlighted the key factors that drives change so far as the Program at KNUST is concerned. He entreated the Scholars to be vigilant and to be responsible for the charge they have been given as representatives of the Program in their various communities and the KNUST environment.
This orientation session provided a strong Foundation for the newly enrolled Scholars as they begin their journey at KNUST, in line with the Scholars Program’s goal of equipping young leaders to make a meaningful impact on their communities and beyond.