Title: The EXCELLENTIA program raises awareness among young students in Haut Katanga about academic excellence and sickle cell disease
Introduction :
The Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI Foundation organized a special event at the Pullman Hotel Lubumbashi, bringing together around 180 students from 20 different schools in Haut Katanga. The purpose of this meeting was to present the EXCELLENTIA program, which aims to promote academic excellence among young people, while raising awareness about sickle cell anemia, the most widespread genetic disease in the world. Thanks to this initiative, students were able to benefit from an information session on sickle cell anemia and were encouraged to continue their studies with a goal of excellence.
The EXCELLENTIA program for academic excellence:
The EXCELLENTIA program, initiated by the Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI Foundation, aims to reward academic excellence by granting scholarships to winners of the state exam who have obtained a score of at least 85%. This initiative aims to encourage young people to surpass themselves and pursue quality university studies, both nationally and internationally. To date, the EXCELLENTIA program has already awarded 241 scholarships, 82 of which allow students to continue their studies abroad, notably in Morocco, France and the United States, while 159 scholarship holders continue their studies locally. .
Sickle Cell Awareness:
In addition to promoting academic excellence, the Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI Foundation places particular importance on raising awareness of sickle cell disease. During the meeting at the Pullman Hotel Lubumbashi, the students benefited from an information session led by Doctor Kadhy NSINGI. This genetic disease, which affects a large number of people around the world, particularly affects African populations. The First Lady insisted on the importance of getting tested in order to prevent the harm of sickle cell anemia and to contribute to the fight against this destructive disease.
Inspiring examples for future winners:
During this event, some scholarship recipients from the first edition of the EXCELLENTIA program were present to serve as an example to young students. These talented and motivated students have demonstrated that academic excellence can be achieved with work, perseverance and opportunities such as those offered by the EXCELLENTIA program. Their presence aroused the admiration and enthusiasm of the students present, who were able to project themselves into a promising future thanks to academic excellence.
Conclusion :
The EXCELLENTIA program of the Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI Foundation plays a crucial role in promoting academic excellence among young students in Haut Katanga, by offering scholarships to winners of the state exam. At the same time, raising awareness about sickle cell disease helps educate students about this genetic disease and encourage them to get screened. Thanks to this special event, young people were able to be inspired by the examples of former scholarship holders and were encouraged to continue their studies with ambition and determination. The EXCELLENTIA program opens the way to a promising future for these talented Congolese students.