KEEPING AKILI GIRLS IN SCHOOL THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS

Dear Donors,

We write to you today with deep gratitude for your unwavering support, which has been instrumental in transforming the lives of our girls. Your generosity has ensured that they stay in school, complete their high school education, and transition to college, breaking down barriers that once stood in their way. Because of you, these young students are not only excelling academically but also building brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

This year, 65 students received crucial financial assistance through our scholarship program, allowing them to remain in school and focus on their studies without the burden of financial instability. These students, ranging from Grade 7 to university level, received support for tuition, school supplies, and other essential needs.

With the transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), there were no high school transitions this year, as Grade 9 students now remain within primary school. However, we are thrilled to report that all our other scholarship recipients successfully progressed to the next grade. Among them, 10 dedicated students are now in their final year of secondary school, preparing for their national examinations. Their resilience and determination are truly inspiring, and we eagerly look forward to celebrating their graduation and next steps into higher education later this year.

We are especially proud of five students who completed secondary school in 2024 and are now preparing to enroll in colleges and universities this August. Their commendable academic achievements have opened doors to diverse fields such as engineering, healthcare, law, and business. Having been part of our scholarship program since primary school, their success is a powerful testament to the long-term impact of investing in education. To ensure they are well-equipped for the digital demands of higher education, these students are currently undergoing an intensive digital literacy course at our Akili STEMarts Academy, alongside 20 other youths. Through this program, they are gaining essential skills in computer literacy, programming, coding, 3D printing, Canva design, and Scratch programming; preparing them for the technology-driven world ahead.

We continue to prioritize the well-being of our students through crucial life skills education. This year, we have expanded our efforts to integrate HIV/AIDS awareness into our STEM programs. By visiting marginalized rural schools such as Osiri Secondary and Oyiengo Primary, we are equipping adolescents with vital knowledge about prevention, stigma reduction, and available care. Many of our scholarship beneficiaries attend these schools, making this initiative even more impactful in fostering a healthier and more informed generation.

We are excited to host our annual two-week STEM Camp this April, bringing together our scholarship recipients and other eager learners. This immersive experience will not only ignite their curiosity for STEM but also provide mentorship in life skills, mental health support, and personal development. This year’s camp will be particularly special as we introduce our students to artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, 3D printing, and coding; preparing them for the future of technology. With the rapid advancements in AI, we cannot wait to meet them at our STEM academy and watch them explore these groundbreaking innovations.

None of this would be possible without your generosity. Your support does more than cover tuition; it restores dignity, fuels ambition, and empowers young minds to redefine their futures. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for believing in our students and walking this journey of transformation with us.

With gratitude,