Title: Promoting academic excellence and raising awareness of sickle cell disease: the Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI Foundation serving students in Haut Katanga
Introduction :
The Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI Foundation recently brought together nearly one hundred and eighty students from twenty schools in Haut Katanga, with the aim of informing them about the EXCELLENTIA program and raising awareness of sickle cell disease. This initiative, led by the First Lady, aims to promote academic excellence among young people and to fight against the first genetic disease in the world. During this event, students were able to understand the importance of these issues and the opportunities offered by the EXCELLENTIA program.
Promoting academic excellence to build the future:
The Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI Foundation places a strong emphasis on academic excellence by encouraging students to give the best of themselves. During this meeting, the First Lady stressed the importance of education and excellence for the development of the country. She reminded students that obtaining at least 85% in exams would allow them to access scholarships, both nationally and internationally. This initiative aims to train the elite of tomorrow, who will contribute to the development of the nation.
Raising awareness about sickle cell disease, a devastating disease:
In parallel with the promotion of academic excellence, the Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI Foundation is also involved in raising awareness of sickle cell anemia. This genetic disease, the first in terms of prevalence in the world, affects many people in the DRC. During this event, the students were able to attend an educational session led by Doctor Kadhy NSINGI, who explained to them the harmful effects of this disease and encouraged them to get tested. The First Lady encouraged students to play a key role in the prevention and fight against sickle cell disease.
The beneficiaries of the EXCELLENTIA program as inspiring models:
During this meeting, some scholarship holders from the first edition of the EXCELLENTIA program were involved in order to share their experience with future laureates. These concrete examples allowed students to become aware of the opportunities offered by the program and to feel inspired by the successes of their peers. This strengthens students’ motivation to achieve academic excellence and seize the opportunities available to them.
Conclusion :
The Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI Foundation, through its EXCELLENTIA program, works to promote academic excellence among students in Haut Katanga. At the same time, she raises awareness among these young people about sickle cell anemia, a devastating genetic disease. Thanks to this initiative, students are encouraged to aim for academic excellence and to mobilize for the prevention and fight against sickle cell disease.. The Foundation thus plays a key role in building the future of the Congolese nation by training an educated and committed elite.