The Ashinaga Scholarships will support up to six students from the region annually, beginning in the 2021/22 academic year, and is supported by the University of York, Kaplan International Pathways, and Ashinaga Association in the UK.

“If we do not find ways to support them, some of our best and brightest minds… will be missed”

“We know from experience that young people who may have suffered personal tragedy and other hardships early in life, often struggle to find their way into higher education, despite having the academic ability to study and learn to the highest level,” University of York vice-chancellor Charlie Jeffery said.

“If we do not find ways to support them, some of our best and brightest minds, who will contribute great things to solving some of our biggest global challenges, will be missed.”

Kaplan International Pathways will support Ashinaga Scholars, who have lost one or both of their parents, by working in partnership with the University of York to offer full tuition fee waivers at foundation level.

“The Ashinaga Foundation’s values align with Kaplan’s mission to provide access to high-quality education for international students,” said Linda Cowan, managing director of Kaplan International Pathways.

“We are thrilled that the University of York and Kaplan International Pathways can come together to support these scholars with fee waivers, to make-real the desire for these students to fulfil their education potential.”

Additionally, Ashinaga Association support will include a bursary to support living costs, assistance with visa and travel costs, and participation in a leadership and skills development program starting one-year prior to the students starting their degree.

“Our students are academically excellent, have demonstrated meaningful compassionate leadership, and are determined to contribute to the development of sub-Saharan Africa post-graduation,” Ashinaga Association in the UK’s CEO, Michael Rivera King, explained.

“The University of York shares our values and goals and is the perfect place for Ashinaga scholars to cultivate the leadership skills they need to make a real difference in the world.”

The partners hope the initiative will contribute to sub-Saharan Africa’s development by providing students who have lost one or both parents with the education, network, and opportunities necessary to become the next generation of compassionate leaders for Africa.

“We are excited to be working with the Ashinaga Association in the UK in identifying the next generation of leaders for Africa and the rest of the world,” Jeffery added.