News: Raising awareness among students in the Haut Katanga province about academic excellence and sickle cell disease by the Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation
The Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation, chaired by the First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo, organized an awareness lunch this Monday, October 2 at the Pullman Hotel Lubumbashi. The event brought together around 180 students from 20 schools in the Haut Katanga province as part of the “Excellentia” program.
The objective of this program is to promote academic excellence among young people by offering them opportunities for higher education. Students who achieve a minimum score of 85% on the state exam have the opportunity to be awarded a scholarship to continue their university studies, whether at local institutions or abroad.
During lunch, the First Lady encouraged the students by reminding them that they are the future of the country and that they have a crucial role to play in its development. She also raised awareness about sickle cell anemia, the world’s first genetic disease. The disease affects many families and destroys lives, which is why it is important to get tested and take preventive measures.
The Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation plans to make screening kits available to students in certain hospitals in Lubumbashi. Students were urged to take advantage of this opportunity and get tested to combat sickle cell disease.
This awareness initiative is part of the Excellentia program, which has existed for 4 years and has already awarded scholarships to 241 students, some of whom are continuing their studies abroad. The program aims to award 1000 local scholarships and 100 international scholarships over a period of 10 years.
By involving former scholarship recipients of the program in this event, the Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation shows future laureates that excellence can be achieved and rewarded.
Raising awareness about academic excellence and sickle cell disease is essential for the development of the country and the health of its citizens. The Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation plays an important role in encouraging young people to excel and contribute to society in a positive way.