Theobald Kambonga, a young man from Navrongo in Ghana's Upper East Region, has achieved a significant milestone by earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale. His journey to this accomplishment was not without challenges, as his family's financial situation was precarious. His father, a retired teacher, and his mother, who ran a small beer bar business, struggled to meet the costs of his education.
Theobald's education expenses were threefold: tuition, accommodation, and daily upkeep. With his father's retirement, the burden of supporting his education fell largely on his mother's small business. Despite the financial struggles, Theobald persevered and actively sought out scholarship opportunities to ease the burden on his family. His search led him to the MTN Ghana Bright Scholarship, which would change his life.
Theobald was overwhelmed with joy when he received a call from Mr. George Frimpong, a coordinator with the MTN Ghana Foundation, informing him that he had been selected for the scholarship. The scholarship covered his tuition and accommodation, relieving his mother of significant financial stress. Theobald could then focus on his education and personal development, motivated to give his best.
With the financial burden lifted, Theobald completed his Doctor of Pharmacy degree at UDS. He now works as a Marketing Representative with Gokals Limited, combining commercial and communication skills with his scientific training. Additionally, he serves as a Research Assistant at UDS, keeping him connected to the university where he trained and involved in research activities in his field.
The MTN Ghana Bright Scholarship, launched in 2017, has supported 1,220 brilliant but needy students in completing their tertiary education. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, a laptop, and a stipend for books and study materials. Over nine years, the programme has reached students across 18 tertiary institutions nationwide, with notable academic outcomes.
The academic achievements of Bright Scholars are impressive, with 17 graduates as valedictorians or best students at their universities, 299 with first-class honours, 47 with second-class upper, and 16 with second-class lower honours. For students like Theobald, these figures represent more than statistics; they represent opportunity and a chance for his mother's sacrifices to end in a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
Theobald's experience is a testament to the impact of the MTN Ghana Foundation's investment in education. As MTN Ghana marks 30 years of operations in Ghana, Theobald's story is one of many young people whose educational journeys have been supported through the foundation's programmes. The scholarship meant everything to Theobald and his family, significantly easing the financial burden on his mother and providing a great relief and source of hope.
Key points
- The MTN Ghana Bright Scholarship has supported 1,220 students in completing their tertiary education since its launch in 2017.
- The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, a laptop, and a stipend for books and study materials.
- Theobald's story showcases the impact of the MTN Ghana Foundation's investment in education, enabling young people to achieve their academic goals despite financial challenges.
