The East African Development Bank (EADB) has held a farewell event for the 3 successful teachers from the East African region who will make up the inaugural class of the EADB-AAI Scholars program.
Recipients of the scholarship program will arrive in the United States in early-September to pursue a Master’s Degree in Education and Mathematics (EDM) at Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey.
The three scholarships were awarded to experienced East African teachers and lecturers with a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, who are actively teaching in an East African public university.
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 two Ugandans; Emmanuel Nsadha, 33, and Theode Niyirinda, 31, who will pursue Masters Degrees in Education and Mathematics at Rutgers University.
The third scholar, Alfred Mutembei Limbere, 26, from Kenya and will also pursue a Masters Degree in Education Mathematics at Rutgers University.
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 these scholars as they have successfully navigated a long and challenging application process,” Ms. Yeda added.
Keith Muhakanizi, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development 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 three individuals who are starting an exciting journey. But we must realize that the benefits of this scholarship extend beyond their personal recipients. When Emmanuel, Theode and Alfred return to teaching at their 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,” Kasaijja concluded.
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 fully-funded EADB graduate level scholarships will provide full tuition, room and living expenses within a stipulated budget.
