News and Events

Discover the latest developments and upcoming events of the Collaborative.

News & Events

Photo of Martin Bartels Awortwe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Maxwell Osei-Ampofo

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of David Gameli Agbeko

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Nicholas Kofi Adegbe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Obed Ehoneah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Ebenezer Brefo-Appiah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Paul Agbekpornu

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Photo of Isambi Mbalawata

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Photo of Winnie Nakiyingi

Research Assistant

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Profile

Martin Bartels Awortwe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

It is a wider opportunity to be a Mastercard Scholar.

The foundation has made it possible to pursue higher learning and commit to a scholarly life. The enabling environment provided by the Mastercard Foundation has equipped me to face the various challenges that come along with graduate studies. As a Master of Public Health student (Environmental Public Health emphasis) at the University of Toronto, I am a step closer to achieving my academic and career goals of preventing diseases, improving the health of populations and communities, and ensuring sustainability of the environment.

Profile

Maxwell Osei-Ampofo

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

So far, my experience with the Mastercard Foundation has been phenomenal.

The staff has been incredibly helpful from day one to the present. I felt so welcomed to the city of Toronto; I was chauffeured from Pearson airport to Graduate House, where my room was already prepared with a greeting basket containing amenities for my stay. The organization has ensured that I am fully prepared for academic and social life. I am extremely appreciative for this opportunity.

Profile

David Gameli Agbeko

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

Joining the Mastercard Foundation scholar’s program at UofT was a pivotal moment in my academic journey.

After completing my bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science, I was uncertain about my next steps. The transition was demanding, pushing me to find direction and purpose amidst a sea of aspirations. Today, I am extremely grateful for the life-changing opportunity offered by the Mastercard Foundation scholar’s program. It has allowed me to pursue my master’s in Financial Insurance, a field that perfectly aligns with my career ambitions. Through this enriching experience, I am building formidable skills and establishing meaningful connections vital for impact and transformation in Africa.

Profile

Nicholas Kofi Adegbe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

I am Nicholas Kofi Adegbe from Ghana. Once doubtful of advancing beyond high school, but my life took a pivotal turn with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars program at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 2018.

Fast forward after undergraduate degree, I got the life changing opportunity from the scholar’s program again to pursue a masters in Financial Insurance at the University of Toronto. The intricate blend of data science and finance in my program doesn’t just add to my academic knowledge; it serves as a catalyst, setting me on a path to reshape financial frameworks.

Beyond academia, the Scholars program’s leadership training has been transformative. Molding me with virtues of integrity and resilience. Equipped with all the necessary resources, I am empowered to inspire young people to leverage technology to solve problems in Africa. With a world-class education and these foundational lessons, I am poised to drive financial innovation with technology, ensuring a prosperous future for many.

Profile

Diana Kaliza

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

Being a Mastercard Scholar has provided me with a profound educational opportunity, equipping me to address the healthcare challenges confronting Africa, particularly in Rwanda.

With firsthand experience of the continent’s healthcare system, I am uniquely positioned to contribute meaningfully. I recognize the importance of collaboration in effecting change, and I’m committed to working with fellow scholars, professionals, and organizations to improve healthcare across Africa. Moreover, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to give back to my community by addressing healthcare disparities and promoting equitable access to healthcare.

In essence, this scholarship has empowered me to be a force for positive change in the African healthcare system, enabling me to make a lasting impact on the well-being of individuals throughout the continent.

Profile

Obed Ehoneah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

I am Obed Ehoneah, pursuing an Executive Master’s in Health Informatics at the esteemed University of Toronto, courtesy of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. 

This transformative journey has not only nurtured my academic aspirations but also created a second home filled with invaluable support and mentorship. Mastercard Foundation has truly paved the way for my academic and personal growth, leaving no stone unturned in supporting my journey. 

As I immerse myself in the program, I find profound passion in solving complex healthcare challenges. Armed with newfound knowledge, I am eager to drive innovative solutions for pressing health issues in Africa. 

Profile

Ebenezer Brefo-Appiah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

Hello, I am Ebenezer Brefo-Appiah, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering here at the University of Toronto as a scholarship recipient.

I live my life each new day counting the blessing of getting to further my education as a scholar here at UofT where innovation meets passion.

My academic journey so far is thrilling, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to immerse myself in cutting-edge technologies and collaborate closely with renowned faculty to utilize state-of-the-art technologies in research projects.

I am elated to witness recent advancements in the biomedical field and l can’t wait to see future advancements.

God bless the Mastercard Foundation and God bless the University!

Profile

Paul Agbekpornu

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

I’m Paul Agbekpornu from Ghana. At the moment, I am pursuing a master’s in financial insurance at the University of Toronto.

After completing risk theory research addressing the pricing of insurance and reinsurance products, I was apprehensive about pursuing a degree that would complement my research. Fortunately, my desire became a reality thanks to the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program, and I am gaining a strong academic curiosity and sense of purpose at UofT. The extensive training, I am receiving in data science is broadening my knowledge and skills in financial insurance. My scholastic career has begun to shift and reshape thanks to the Mastercard Foundation grant.

Profile

Isambi Mbalawata

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Profile

Winnie Nakiyingi

Research Assistant

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

Winnie Nakiyingi is a master at research and report writing with a specialization in mathematical and statistical processes.

She is an alumna of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), where she currently works as a Research Assistant (Data & Quantum) at the Research and Innovation Center in Kigali, Rwanda. Winnie brings a wealth of experience through data collection, analysis, and report writing plus her passion to contribute to the Standard Development Goals (SDGs). She is a certified researcher through the TRREE Training program in Research Ethics Evaluation. She has also been engaged in humanitarian work through Axiom-DK as a Statistics consultant. Winnie is one of the Science Diplomacy alumni at the United Nations Institute and Training and Research (UNITAR), and the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) in Switzerland. More recently, she has been selected as one of the prestigious Women In Africa (WIA) Young Leaders 2023 laureates.