Theobald Kambonga, a young man from Navrongo in the Upper East Region of Ghana, has achieved a remarkable feat by completing his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale. His journey to this milestone was not an easy one, as his family struggled financially after his father's retirement. Theobald's father, a teacher, had retired, and the family's income had fallen. His mother, who ran a small beer bar business in Navrongo, was the primary source of support for the household and Theobald's education.
Theobald's financial struggles began to ease 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 MTN Ghana Bright Scholarship. This scholarship, which covers tuition, accommodation, a laptop, and a stipend for books and study materials, was a game-changer for Theobald. He no longer had to worry about how to pay his tuition fees, secure accommodation, and meet his daily upkeep expenses. The scholarship enabled him to focus fully on his education and personal development.
The MTN Ghana Bright Scholarship, launched in 2017 to mark MTN Ghana's 20th anniversary, has supported 1,220 brilliant but needy students to complete their tertiary education. The programme has reached students across 18 tertiary institutions nationwide, including the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, the University of Ghana, and the University of Cape Coast, as well as colleges of education and health training institutions. The scholarship has had a significant impact on the academic outcomes of its recipients, with 17 Bright Scholars graduating as valedictorians or best students at their universities.
Theobald is now working as a Marketing Representative with Gokals Limited, where he combines commercial and communication skills with his scientific training. He also serves as a Research Assistant at UDS, which keeps him connected to the university where he trained and involved in research activities in his field. Theobald's experience is a testament to the impact of the MTN Ghana Bright Scholarship on the lives of young people. The scholarship gave him the foundation to develop in more than one direction, in both industry and academia.
Theobald's story is one of opportunity and impact. He says the benefit of the scholarship went beyond him, as it significantly eased the financial burden on his mother, who had been supporting his education through her small business. This support came as a great relief and source of hope for Theobald and his family. The scholarship enabled him to pursue his dreams without the weight of financial struggles.
The MTN Ghana Foundation's investment in education has had a profound impact on the lives of young people like Theobald. As MTN Ghana marks 30 years of operations in Ghana, Theobald's experience forms part of the stories of young people whose educational journeys have been supported through the foundation's programmes. The MTN Ghana Bright Scholarship has become a beacon of hope for many young people who would otherwise have been unable to pursue their educational goals due to financial constraints.
Theobald's journey from Navrongo to becoming a Doctor of Pharmacy graduate is an inspiration to many. His story highlights the importance of access to education and the impact that scholarships can have on the lives of young people. The MTN Ghana Bright Scholarship has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of Ghanaian youth, and Theobald's story is a testament to the programme's success.
Key points
- The MTN Ghana Bright Scholarship has supported 1,220 brilliant but needy students to complete 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 experience is part of a wider programme that has had a significant impact on the academic outcomes of its recipients, with 17 Bright Scholars graduating as valedictorians or best students at their universities.
