Changamwe MP Mr Omar Mwinyi has launched a youth scholarship program that seeks to support college-going youth, among other needy students in the area.
The program dubbed Simba Youth Empowerment Scholarship Program was officially launched on Saturday, August 24, in a colorful event attended by TUM Vice Chancellor Prof Laila Abubakar as the Chief Guest among other educationists.
During the function held at the Ahmed Mwidani Technical Training Institute in Port Reitz, several students who are set to join TUM and other universities received bursary cheques in order to foot part of their fees. For now, the program is fully funded by NG-CDF.
Those who accompanied Prof Laila included TUM's Director of Career Services Dr Madiha Salim and a Pwani University dean, Prof Hassan Mwakimako.
In her speech, the TUM VC referred to the crisis that has characterized the placement of students in different bands; therefore, she advised students to ensure they enter accurate and correct information in the relevant forms in order to be placed in the right bands.
She used the occasion to explain the university funding model and the banding structure that ranges from 1 to 5 whereby 1 caters for the neediest and 5 the least needy.
Prof Laila acknowledged the financial challenges many families face, especially under the new higher education funding model.
“Those who were placed in the wrong bands should appeal so that they can be placed where they belong. No student should be left behind due to financial difficulties. I promise to return to provide more guidance on the numerous scholarship opportunities available to students entering universities and TVET institutions,” the TUM VC assured.
Others attending the function included the Changamwe MP Mr Omar Mwinyi; Senator of Mombasa Mr Mohamed Faki; Speaker of Mombasa County Mr Kharub Khatri; and Mombasa Woman Representative Ms Zamzam Mohamed, among others.
The Changamwe MP advised the students who are embarking on a new phase of their educational journey to remain focused. “This is an exciting moment for you as you join institutions of higher learning. It is a journey filled with opportunities, challenges, and immense growth,” he said.
He assured the people of Changamwe of his unwavering commitment to ensuring that every deserving student has the opportunity to pursue higher education.
The main objective of Simba Youth Empowerment Scholarship Program is to support needy students regardless of their background to achieve their academic and career goals without being held back by financial limitations.
