Equity Group Foundation this month concluded a five-day Annual Education and Leadership congress that brought together over 4,000 beneficiaries of its Wings to Fly scholarship Programme at the Moi International Sports Stadium in Nairobi. The 6th Annual Education and Leadership congress ran from 29th November- 4th December 2015.
The theme was “Value based Leadership”, the Scholars were addressed and mentored by top academia, CEOs of corporate organizations, motivational speakers and government leaders. Some key notable speakers included Industrialist- Dr. Manu Chandaraia, Centum CEO- Mr. James Mworia, and Popular TV Host Jeff Koinange.
The speakers focused on assisting the scholars to look at leadership as an opportunity to serve. Dr. Manu Chandaria told the students that making effort is not doing what others do. “It is doing something new for others to follow”, he advised.
Dr. James Mwangi, Executive Chairman, Equity Group Foundation further reiterated the key speakers’ messages by stating that being a leader commands leadership in every circumstance. “We have an objective of having 30,000 wings to Fly Leaders in 10 years”, he said.
The event also sought to nurture leadership skills and create a global mindset in Equity scholars by exposing them to mentoring opportunities. Wings to Fly program uses 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.
Also present at the congress were 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.
Patricia Murugami gave the scholars some nuggets of wisdom by telling them that life is like google. “You just need to know what you are searching for” She stressed.
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 universities. A majority of the beneficiaries assume leadership positions in their schools and communities.
