123 top performing students undergo free mentor ship courtesy of Equity Bank Uganda

Equity Bank Uganda has officially launched the Equity Leaders Program (ELP), a program that will see top-performing senior six students from every district that Equity has a branch presence in for paid internship, leadership training, college counselling, coaching, and mentor-ship.

According to the Managing Director, Samuel Kirubi, the program picked the best boy and girl in the district they are operating,forty three in number, and were given an opportunity to work with the bank as they waited for university admission.

“We take them through a program of induction on ethical leadership, values and what it means to be servant leader and as they work for the bank they earn a certain amount and are forced to save half of their pay, which goes towards financing their tertiary and university education.”Kirubi said.

The education has more programs to give them more opportunities to be attached to a global university program where they can apply for scholarships in Ivy League universities globally under the guidance of the bank, Kirubi added.

Speaking as chief guest at the ceremony, the Minister of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, Honorable Betty Amongi, hailed the bank and noted that the government always through company corporate social responsibility and the budget, always support such initiatives.

“With a program like this for the next years they will be studying and will have money to support their education but more so leadership skills that will support them be better citizens to support their communities and so we thank the bank for partnering with government to achieve the National Development Plan (NDPIII) goals where this program lies.”

During the launch, a section of students were given an opportunity to testify about their experience during the mentor-ship;

"I faced a lot of challenges during the pandemic, especially in school where lessons were online yet I am a visually impaired student. Amidst all these challenges, however, I was able to succeed in my examinations and I got 20 points." Daniel Ejaju

"In this induction week, I have learned a lot. I have gained so many skills including critical thinking. I have learned about risk management, how to save, the importance of giving back to the community and so much more." Jacob Olule

“Born in a family of eight from former Rukiga district, obtaining quality education has been a challenge, with having to study without power and at times juggling study time with cultivating at the farm, so this program will go a long way in supporting my education.” Atuyambe Shimon

The program will run for 3 months and is aimed at exposing the students to the global universities’ admission process and how to manoeuvre through a new education system and have just concluded a one-week induction process.

According to Elizabeth Kasedde, Executive Director, Public Sector and Social Investments, the launch plays a significant role in extending Equity Bank’s social impact contribution through the scaling up of various programs that are already under implementation through Equity Group Foundation.

So far the program has benefited 6700 scholars and an excess of 700 in global universities.