KIGUMBA, Uganda – On 1 August, the Uganda Petroleum Institute in Kigumba became a beacon of hope and transformation as FAWE Uganda hosted the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Bursary Award Ceremony. The momentous occasion, graced by the State Minister of Uganda, Hon. Phyllis Chemutai, as Chief Guest, marked a significant milestone in the collective effort to create equitable access to education for young people across the country.
The ceremony brought together representatives from the FAWE Regional Secretariat, FAWE Uganda, and other key education stakeholders, all united by a shared commitment to ensuring that no young person was left behind. A total of 818 bursaries were awarded to deserving young people drawn from 65 districts across Uganda, representing a life-changing opportunity for those who had been denied their first chance at tertiary education.
The FAWE/Mastercard Foundation partnership, now in its second phase, represented one of the most ambitious education initiatives on the African continent. The programme targeted young people who, through circumstances beyond their control—including poverty, conflict, disability, and displacement—were unable to access tertiary education. By providing comprehensive support that included tuition, stipends, and mentorship, the initiative was breaking down the barriers that had historically excluded marginalised youth from higher education.
The bursary recipients were expected to enroll in the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes. These pathways were designed not only to provide access to tertiary education but also to equip young people with the practical, market-relevant skills needed for employment and sustainable livelihoods. This aligned with the Mastercard Foundation’s strategic goal of enabling 30 million young people, especially women, to secure dignified and fulfilling employment by 2030.
Representing the FAWE Regional Secretariat at the ceremony was Mr. Richard Chelagat, Finance and Administration Director. In his remarks to the gathering, Mr. Chelagat underscored the scale and significance of the partnership, emphasising that the programme was being implemented across 10 countries—including Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, Ghana, Liberia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Senegal—and targeted 10,550 young people.
“This programme is about restoring hope and creating pathways for young people who, through no fault of their own, were denied their first opportunity to pursue tertiary education,” Mr. Chelagat stated. “Through this partnership, FAWE and the Mastercard Foundation are demonstrating that a second chance is not just a possibility—it is a promise we are committed to fulfilling.”
The presence of the State Minister, Hon. Phyllis Chemutai, as Chief Guest underscored the Ugandan government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that expanded access to education for marginalised youth. Her participation highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing the systemic barriers that kept young people out of school.
The 818 bursaries awarded at the ceremony represented more than financial support—they represented hope, dignity, and the opportunity for young people to rewrite their life stories. For many recipients, this bursary was the key that unlocked doors that had previously been firmly closed. The HEAC programme provided a bridge to university education, while TVET offered practical skills that led directly to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
FAWE Uganda’s work in implementing this programme reflected the organisation’s broader commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusive education. By targeting marginalised youth, including young women, refugees, and young people with disabilities, the programme was ensuring that those who were most often left behind were given the support they needed to thrive.
As the ceremony concluded, there was a palpable sense of hope and determination among the recipients, their families, and the stakeholders present. The FAWE/Mastercard Foundation partnership continued to advance equitable access to education, skills development, and meaningful opportunities for young people across Africa. The event at the Uganda Petroleum Institute was more than a ceremony—it was a powerful affirmation that when organisations, governments, and communities united around a shared vision, transformative change was possible. Through this partnership, FAWE and the Mastercard Foundation were not just awarding bursaries; they were building futures, strengthening communities, and creating a more equitable and prosperous Africa.