The presentation of certificates of integration into the “Excellentia” family to state graduates of the 2021-2022 school year was a significant event in Kinshasa. A total of 58 talented young people received their certificates during a ceremony organized at the marquee of the African Union City. This integration will allow them to benefit from a five-year university scholarship in the Democratic Republic of Congo or abroad.
The initiative, led by the First Lady of the Republic, Denise Nyakeru, received praise from the Head of State, Félix Tshisekedi, who underlined the importance of investing in Congolese youth. “This is an opportunity for our country,” he said, adding that the government should consider a public-private partnership with the Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation to support and expand this program.
Denise Nyakeru, for her part, encouraged the new winners to follow in the footsteps of previous beneficiaries of the “Excellentia” scholarship and become examples for future generations. “This country will never be built without you,” she said, promising her unwavering support as a mother.
Since its launch, the “Excellentia” program has enabled a total of 241 students to access quality scholarships, including 159 in the DRC, 35 in Morocco, 42 in France and 5 in the United States. In order to stimulate competition between schools, recognition diplomas were also awarded to two establishments in Kinshasa, Collège Boboto and Complexe scolaire les Loupiots, which offered 10 scholarships to the “Excellentia” program.
This ceremony was an opportunity for the winners of previous editions, as well as for the Prime Minister and certain members of the government, to come together and celebrate the success of these young talents. With the commitment of the first lady and the support of the government, the “Excellentia” program continues to contribute to the training of exceptional young Congolese, who are the hope and future of the Democratic Republic of Congo.