Airtel Africa Foundation throws weight to empower students
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Airtel Africa Foundation has embarked on an initiative aimed at supporting the undergraduate students at Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) Zanzibar, the first-ever foreign campus established by an IIT.
The foundation’s initiative campaign dubbed ‘Airtel Africa Fellowship Programme’ aims to support deserving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in data science and artificial intelligence (AI).
“We are pleased to partner with IIT Madras Zanzibar to provide opportunities for young Africans to access quality education”
“This initiative aims to contribute towards creating a prosperous and sustainable continent,” said Dr Olusegun Ogunsanya, Airtel Africa Foundation’s Chairman yesterday.
Starting with an outlay of 500,000 US dollars (1.36bn/-), the programme will benefit 10 undergraduate students, for their entire course duration of four years.
According to Airtel, the beneficiaries of the scholarship will receive 100 per cent of their college fees as per the course fee structure of the Institute.
Additionally, to cover the living expense cost, 500 US dollars (1.36m/-) will be given to all eligible students.
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Zanzibar’s Minister for Education and Vocational Training Ms Lela Mohamed Mussa said the initiative from IITM is a vital opportunity to country’s students since they will get the chance to access quality education.
“IITM Zanzibar is charting a significant path in the technical education within the region through their financial support to the students. Is an important priority for us,” she said.
Additionally, the Director of IIT Madras Prof Veezhinathan Kamakoti said the university is committed to establishing a world class campus in the island.
“We are delighted that the Airtel Africa Foundation is joining hands with us in this effort. We are grateful for the financial assistance to these future global leaders,” he said.
The Fellowship is the maiden initiative undertaken to enhance educational opportunities for meritorious students, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, enrolled at IITM Zanzibar.
The programme is designed to support students from 14 African countries of Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, DR Congo, Niger, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Gabon, Madagascar and Seychelles.
