Title: Raising awareness among students in Haut-Katanga about the EXCELLENTIA program: academic excellence and the fight against sickle cell disease at the heart of concerns
Introduction :
The Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI Foundation recently brought together around one hundred and eighty students from twenty schools in Haut-Katanga to present the EXCELLENTIA program to them. This initiative aims to promote academic excellence among young people and raise awareness about sickle cell anemia, the first genetic disease in the world.
A major event :
A lunch was organized at the Pullman Hotel Lubumbashi marquee to allow the President of the Foundation to discuss with the students and inform them about the EXCELLENTIA program. During this meeting, she encouraged the students to aim for academic excellence, emphasizing that obtaining a score of at least 85% would allow them to benefit from a local or international scholarship.
The fight against sickle cell disease:
In addition to promoting academic excellence, the Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI Foundation also focused on sickle cell disease during this event. A doctor led an educational information session on this genetic disease, highlighting the harms of sickle cell anemia and prevention measures. The President called on students to get tested and announced the upcoming availability of screening kits in certain hospitals in Lubumbashi.
The example of former scholarship holders:
To inspire participants, former EXCELLENTIA program fellows were present at the event. Their academic and university success served as a concrete example for future winners and showed the opportunities offered by the program.
The EXCELLENTIA program in figures:
The EXCELLENTIA program, which aims to award scholarships to the best students who obtain a score of at least 85% on the state exam, is now in its fourth edition. It currently has 241 scholarship holders, 82 of whom are continuing their studies abroad and 159 benefiting from local scholarships. The long-term objective is to award 1000 local scholarships and 100 international scholarships.
Conclusion :
The awareness lunch organized by the Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI Foundation highlighted the importance of academic excellence and the fight against sickle cell disease. Thanks to the EXCELLENTIA program, many students will have the opportunity to continue their studies and contribute to the development of the country. This initiative underlines the commitment of the First Lady to the education and health of young Congolese.