The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, has announced that there are 200 scholarships to be accessed by students for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The scholarships will benefit 80 per cent female and 20 per cent male applicants to pursue Higher National Diplomas (HND) or two-year programmes in STEM-related fields at Technical and TVET universities.

Announcing the scheme, FAWE said the initiative sought to empower the marginalised yet talented young women and men in the region.

Apart from the decision to give more slots to females, the scheme would also reserve “five to 15 per cent of the slots for persons with disability or refugee status.”

Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must be between 15 and 25 years of age and have sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or Certificate |I level examination in 2021, 2022, 2023, or 2024.

Also, the applicants must have secured admission to study a STEM-related course at one of FAWE's partner institutions, including Ho Technical University, Bolgatanga Technical University, Cape Coast Technical University, Dr Hilla Limann Technical University, Takoradi Technical University, and Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development.

“Successful applicants and recipients of the FAWE-Mastercard Foundation bursary will receive comprehensive support, including academic tuition coverage, learning materials and mentorship opportunities.

The Regional Girls’ Education Officer has, therefore, encouraged eligible candidates in the Oti Region to take advantage of this opportunity to further their education, develop their skills, and make meaningful contributions to society, encouraging interested applicants in the region to apply online at www.fawegh.org.

Scheme

The scholarship programme is available for students in eight regios, namely the Volta, Ot, Savannah, North East, Upper West, Upper East and Northern Regions.

The programme emphasises community service, encouraging beneficiaries to contribute positively to their communities.