The East African Development Bank (EADB) has held a farewell event for the 8 successful teachers from the East African region who will make up the third cohort of the EADB-AAI Scholars program.
Recipients of the scholarship program will pursue Master’s Degree in Education, Mathematics and Industrial System and Engineering at Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey. The Scholarships are competitively awarded to experienced Teachers and Lecturers of tertiary institutions, secondary schools, and polytechnics with at least 3 years full-time teaching experience. They must be university graduates with a Bachelor’s degree with First Class/Upper Second Honours in Mathematics, Sciences or Engineering.
Under 40 years of age and a citizen of the EADB Member States: Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. They must be working full-time in public, government owned educational institutions. They must have interest in pursuing a graduate degree in those fields in the United States and are committed to returning to their home country to teach in a public government owned institution The scholars were selected from nearly 300 applicants from the East African countries of Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, who competed for a choice few slots.
The scholars include Five(5) Kenyans, One(1) Ugandan, One(1) Rwandan and One(1)Tanzanian.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Vivienne Yeda, Director General of the East African Development Bank said The EADB created the EADB Math, Science, Technology and Engineering University Scholarship Program, in partnership with The Africa-America Institute, for experienced teachers and lecturers to earn a post-graduate degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at Rutgers University and New Jersey Institute of Technology in the United States.
“This scholarship program will go a long way in helping to increase the number of qualified academics in the STEM fields and strengthen the workforce in the science, engineering and technology in East Africa. “The EADB and AAI warmly congratulate the scholars as they have successfully navigated a long and challenging application process,” Ms. Yeda added.
East African Development Bank Board Member, Mr. Francis N. Karuiru who was the evening’s guest of honor commended EADB for their commitment to both infrastructural and personal development in the region.
“We are here today to celebrate these eight individuals who are starting an exciting journey. But we must realize that the benefits of this scholarship extend beyond their personal recipients. When these eight return to teaching back in East African universities and tertiary universities, countless students will in turn reap the fruits of their qualifications.That is why I want to commend and appreciate The EADB and AAI. This initiative ties in to our Government’s goal to increase access to education, with better learning and skills outcome,” Mr. Francis N. Karuiru concluded. ”
The recipients were Mathias Halinga from Tanzania who will be pursuing Industrial System and Engineering, Ruth Mathenge from Kenya who will do Physics Education, Nixon Odari from Kenya who will do Math Education, Fabien Habimana from Rwanda to pursue Industrial System and Engineering, Purity Kendi from Kenya who will do Math Education, Patrick Odhiambo also from Kenya and will take Physics Education, Usufu Nyakoojo from Uganda will do Math Education while Brian Odiwuor from Kenya will do Science Education.
The EADB scholarship aims to maximize the impact of EADB’s investment into the higher education sector by granting scholarships to accomplished lecturers who have agreed to return to their East African universities and continue teaching after they have received their graduate degree at Rutgers University.
The scheme was launched in August 2016 as a pilot programme. The first Cohort were 3 scholars (2 from Uganda and 1 from Kenya). Second Cohort were 5 Scholars – (4 from Kenya and 1 from Uganda).
The fully-funded EADB graduate level scholarships will provide full tuition, room and living expenses within a stipulated budget. The next call for application shall be in December 2018/January 2019.
