Raising awareness of academic excellence and sickle cell disease: the Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation works for the future of young Congolese
The President of the Foundation Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi recently brought together a group of students from different schools in Haut Katanga around the EXCELLENTIA program. The objective of this event was to raise awareness among young people of the importance of academic excellence and to inform them about sickle cell anemia, the first genetic disease in the world.
In an inspiring speech, the First Lady reminded the students that they represent the future of the country and that they are called to become the elite of tomorrow. She encouraged them to aim for academic excellence, emphasizing that obtaining at least 85% in exams would allow them to benefit from scholarships both locally and internationally.
However, this event was not only an opportunity to promote academic excellence. The President also took this opportunity to raise awareness among students about sickle cell anemia, a devastating disease that affects many Congolese families. She insisted on the need to get tested and take preventive measures.
The Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation also involved former beneficiaries of the EXCELLENTIA program to serve as inspiring examples for future laureates. This is a ten-year program which aims to reward academic excellence by granting scholarships to students who obtain at least 85% on the state exam.
To date, the EXCELLENTIA program has already awarded 241 scholarships, 82 of which have enabled students to continue their studies abroad, notably in Morocco, France and the United States. It is planned to award a total of 1000 local scholarships and 100 international scholarships under this program.
Raising awareness of academic excellence and sickle cell disease is essential for the development of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thanks to initiatives like that of the Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation, young Congolese are encouraged to continue their studies and fight against genetic diseases that affect their society. It is through these concrete actions that we build a better future for all.