The Shakira Choonara African Scholarship Award is a prestigious initiative aimed at empowering young Africans by providing them with the financial support and opportunities necessary to pursue higher education. Named after Dr. Shakira Choonara, a well-known public health activist and advocate for social justice in Africa, the scholarship seeks to nurture a new generation of leaders who are committed to driving change across the continent. The award is rooted in the belief that education is a critical tool for fostering development and tackling pressing issues such as inequality, poverty, and poor health outcomes in Africa.
The scholarship is open to African students who demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to community development, particularly in areas related to social justice, health, and human rights. By targeting these areas, the Shakira Choonara African Scholarship Award aims to equip recipients with the skills and knowledge needed to address the complex challenges facing African societies. The program supports students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as public health, social sciences, law, and development studies.
One of the unique aspects of the scholarship is its focus on leadership development. In addition to financial support, recipients are provided with mentorship and networking opportunities to help them grow as leaders and change-makers. They are encouraged to engage in community service and advocacy work, further reinforcing the scholarship’s mission to create socially conscious individuals who are dedicated to uplifting their communities.
The Shakira Choonara African Scholarship Award also fosters a sense of Pan-Africanism by encouraging collaboration and connection among scholars from different African countries. This cross-border exchange of ideas and experiences helps build a network of future leaders who are united in their commitment to advancing social justice and development across the continent.
The Shakira Choonara African Scholarship Award is a transformative opportunity for young Africans who aspire to make a positive impact on their communities and the continent as a whole. By combining academic support, leadership development, and a focus on social justice, the scholarship helps equip the next generation of African leaders with the tools they need to drive meaningful change.
In 2024, the Shakira Choonara Young African Scholarship Award was piloted as an investment in young people, promoting a thriving Africa and celebrating African excellence. The inaugural recipient, Ms. Goitsemodimo Ditsele, graduated with a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the University of Botswana in the same year.
The Shakira Choonara Young African Scholarship Award is an annual initiative that provides financial support to a deserving final-year student at either the undergraduate or postgraduate level (Honors, Master’s, or PhD). The scholarship covers final-year tuition fees for a disadvantaged student who is pursuing a university degree and has demonstrated a consistent track record of academic excellence, maintaining a 70% or higher average in both the current and previous years of study. The award supports students in the broader development field, with a focus on areas such as health sciences and gender studies.
Benefits
The scholarship supports final year tuition fees for a disadvantaged student.
Requirements For The Shakira Choonara African Scholarship
- Youth between the ages of 21-35 years-old
- The applicant must be a citizen of any of the 54 African states
- The applicant must be in the final year of studies (undergraduate or postgraduate) at an African university
- Demonstrate financial need i.e. require the scholarship to settle final year tuition fees in order to complete their academic degree
- A proven track record of academic excellence
We strongly encourage young women and youth from marginalized populations to apply. Only online applications will be accepted, incomplete applications will not be considered. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The student must be pursuing a university degree and have a track record of academic excellence (70% or more in the current and previous years of study). Studies in the broader development field will be supported, desirable fields include health sciences and gender studies.
Method of Application
Visit The Official Website
Application Deadline: September 30, 2024.
For More Information,
