The ManicaPost
Business Reporter
IN his famous quote, Mr Henry Ford acknowledged the importance of collaboration in achieving success.
He said: “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”
When people or groups come together, stay together, and work together, they achieve greatness.
Such is the story of Africa University and Stanbic Bank Scholarship Fund which has positively impacted five underprivileged brilliant young women who are beneficiaries of the initiative.
Established in 2020, the Scholarship Fund is celebrating its third anniversary and the inaugural recipients are due to complete their bachelor’s degree programmes in 2024.
Africa University’s Vice Chancellor, Reverend Professor Peter Mageto, acknowledged the strong partnership between Stanbic Bank and Africa University.
“The long-standing partnership with Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe is a living testimony of what industry and academy can do together to transform the continent of Africa. Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe’s investment of five scholarships to merit-based and talented beneficiaries is a true testimony that the future of Africa is in good hands as we train and raise ethical and transformational leaders,” said Reverend Professor Mageto.
Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe chief executive, Mr Solomon Nyanhongo, expressed how as a bank they are privileged to be able to extend a hand to the future leaders in the communities they operate in.
“We believe that quality education is critical for the growth and success of our country, and as a bank we want to play our part in affording deserving students a chance to learn,” he said.
In addition to the Africa University scholarships, Stanbic bank is also assisting four students at the University of Zimbabwe, one student at St Giles Medical School as well as one student at Mufakose High 2 School.
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The bank is committed to supporting education and is currently engaging with several tertiary and primary institutions to onboard students on educational bursaries around the country.
Stanbic Bank strongly believes in giving back to the community and was awarded Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Zimbabwe, 2022 by world re-known Online and Print Magazine, Global Banking and Finance Review.
The institution focuses on seven impact areas which include education, health, water and sanitation hygiene, financial inclusion, job creation and enterprise growth.
Recipients of the Scholarship Fund are grateful for the support they are receiving from Stanbic Bank as the scholarship not only covers tuition fees, but also includes accommodation, meals and provision of ICT hardware ensuring the student has all requirements for them to thrive in their studies.
Miss Matswayi, a Computer Science student and beneficiary of the programme, said: “I am deeply grateful for the work that has been put in by Stanbic Bank to change my life for the better. The Bank has catered for my studies and has given me an opportunity to engage in tertiary education, an opportunity that many aspire for yet available to a few. Such grace from organisations whose ethos is to develop, empower and build the continent are an inspiration, and it is through their generosity that I am fulfilling my dreams and shall in turn empower others to do the same.”
Another recipient of the scholarship, Miss Masenyama who is an accounting student, echoed the impact of the assistance on her academic and personal life.
“I will forever be indebted to Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe for giving me a chance to chase my dreams. The Stanbic Bank scholarship has opened a door of possibilities and empowerment to the young people of today. It has paved a way for me in my journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant and has played a key role in shaping me into a successful leader in the future. Stanbic Bank’s investment and good faith has motivated me to achieve academic excellence in order to make a greater impact in people’s lives, the same way it has made a difference in mine,” she said.
Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe’s head of public sector, Ms Sarah Charangwa said the bank is proud of the partnership with Africa University and the opportunity to impact lives through this scholarship.
“We have learned a great deal from each other over the years, and we have been able to achieve great things together. We know that this scholarship has made a difference in the students’ lives. It has allowed the students to focus on their studies without having to worry about financial constraints. As the first group of recipients is now going into their final year of studies, we are rooting for them and wishing them the very best,” said Ms Charangwa.
