Title: The Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation rewards academic excellence and raises awareness of sickle cell disease
Introduction :
The Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation, chaired by the First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo, recently organized a lunch to present the EXCELLENTIA program to students in Haut Katanga. This program aims to promote academic excellence by providing scholarships to students who score 85% or higher on the state exam. The event was also an opportunity to raise awareness among young people about sickle cell anemia, the first genetic disease in the world. Here is an overview of this initiative and its positive impact.
A program to encourage academic excellence:
The EXCELLENTIA program, launched four years ago, aims to reward the academic excellence of young Congolese. State exam winners with a score of at least 85% are offered scholarships that allow them to continue their university studies locally or abroad. This initiative aims to encourage students to give the best of themselves and to strive for academic excellence.
Raising awareness about sickle cell disease:
The Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation not only encourages academic excellence, it is also involved in raising awareness of important causes, such as sickle cell disease. During the event, students benefited from an information session led by Doctor Kadhy Nsingi, who explained the harms of this genetic disease and the importance of getting tested. The First Lady stressed the importance of preventing and combating sickle cell disease, encouraging young people to get tested as soon as possible.
Inspiring examples:
The event also allowed students to meet former EXCELLENTIA program winners, who shared their experience and academic success. These inspiring examples showed young people that they can achieve academic excellence and realize their dreams thanks to the determination and support offered by the Foundation.
The positive results of the EXCELLENTIA program:
Since its creation, the EXCELLENTIA program has awarded scholarships to 241 students, 82 of whom are currently pursuing their studies abroad. This initiative has enabled many young Congolese to realize their potential and pursue quality higher education. Thanks to the Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation, academic excellence is encouraged and valued, thus opening new perspectives for the future of the country.
Conclusion :
The Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation and its EXCELLENTIA program show the importance of academic excellence and awareness of public health issues such as sickle cell disease. By encouraging young Congolese to give the best of themselves academically, this initiative contributes to training the country’s future elite. Thanks to the commitment of the First Lady and the Foundation, many students have already benefited from scholarships to pursue their higher studies, thus opening new opportunities for the future of the Democratic Republic of Congo.