FAWE Ghana and Mastercard Foundation Collaborate to Enhance Scholarship Opportunities for TVET and STEM Students

Tamale: The Forum for African Women Educationists (FAWE) Ghana, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, has initiated a strategic engagement with Girl Child Education Officers and other stakeholders in the Northern Region. This initiative marks the commencement of phase two of its scholarship programme, aiming to foster educational opportunities for marginalized youth in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.According to Ghana News Agency, the engagement focused on presenting and deliberating the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase Two Programme and discussing strategies for its effective implementation in the region. The programme is designed to provide access to tertiary education for marginalized young men and women, specifically targeting those in TVET and STEM areas.During the engagement in Tamale, Madam Anna Nabera, Programme Manager of FAWE Ghana, highlighted the crucial role of Girl Child Education Officers in i dentifying young candidates eligible for the scholarship. She stated, "These officers are closest to the students and their families. They move from school to school and community to community, and so they are well-positioned to help us reach those who need this support the most."Launched for the 2024/2025 academic year, the scholarship programme is already benefiting 200 students across the country. It primarily targets girls from marginalized communities who have passed their WASSCE but face financial obstacles in pursuing further education. The programme, set to run until 2030, offers a comprehensive package covering tuition, laptops, accommodation, stipends, health insurance, and mentorship.Applicants must secure admission into one of the seven partner technical universities, including Ho Technical University, Tamale Technical University, Dr Hilla Liman Technical University, Bolgatanga Technical University, Takoradi Technical University, AAMUSTED, and Cape Coast Technical Universities, before applying for the scholarship. Madam Nabera assured that FAWE Ghana would assist students who cannot afford admission application forms.She added that the selection process would be conducted at district, regional, and national levels to ensure transparency and fairness. The Girl Child Education Officers are also tasked with creating awareness about the programme within communities and through media platforms.Participants at the engagement proposed strategies to ensure inclusivity, such as visiting Senior High Schools, attending PTA meetings, and engaging with disability groups. Madam Maria Abdulai, Savelugu Municipal Girl-Child Education Officer, suggested attending PTA meetings and community gatherings to inform parents and guardians about the programme. Meanwhile, Madam Sahadatu Abukari, Northern Regional President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, recommended school visits and meetings with disability groups to raise awareness within these communities.