Vision Turned to Action: The Maria and Upendo Maono Scholarship Recipients

by Emanuel Chikoti, Saraphiner Urio, and Fides Magige

We believe that when young people create a vision for their future—and are given the support to pursue it—their potential becomes unstoppable. The members of the Enlightened Boys and Empowered Girls afterschool clubs are shining examples of this belief in action.

In 2025, we are proud to announce the first group of scholarship recipients under the newly named Maria and Upendo Maono Scholarship—formerly known simply as the Maono Scholarship. This year’s cohort is not just defined by grades, but by their grit, purpose, and powerful stories. These students are now joining Form Five, the next step in fulfilling their visions of greatness. We are proud to offer this scholarship to support them as they continue learning and growing. 

This year, seven students were awarded the 2025 Maria and Upendo Maono Scholarship. Armed with self-confidence and plans for the future, these students embody the goals of the Enlightened Boys and Empowered Girls afterschool clubs. Each student shared their visions with us, and we are honored to share them with you.

Yuster Mwakankunje – Mwaya Secondary School EG
Yuster envisions becoming a lawyer and activist defending girls’ rights. “Too many girls in my village have been denied education because of early marriage and pregnancies,” she shared. “I want to be their voice in courtrooms and communities.” Her mother, visibly emotional at the award ceremony, added, “I never thought my daughter would reach this level. This scholarship reminds me that girls have a future too.”

Lughano Hussein – Mwaya Secondary School EB
Lughano’s dream started when he was in primary school. “I once got seriously ill, but a doctor near our home treated me with care and saved my life. Since then, I knew I wanted to be a doctor to help others the same way,” he recalled.

Victor Mwasawela – Mwaya Secondary School EB
Victor, raised in a family with limited means, sees engineering as his path to transformation. “Becoming an engineer isn’t just a dream—it’s my way to change my family’s story and bring solutions to my community,” he said.

Nofeli Mwakisole – Matema Secondary School EB
Though quiet in class, Nofeli’s inner fire is clear. “I believe law is one of the best ways I can give back to society. My voice may be soft, but my actions will speak loud,” he said. His teacher at Matema Secondary School shared, “Nofeli reminds us that determination doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful.”

Ismael Godson – Matema Secondary School EB
Ismael dreams of becoming a cardiologist. “So many people suffer from heart diseases, and they can’t afford help. Some even have to go to India. I want to be the doctor they can rely on—here, at home,” he said.

Jestina Mwapasi – Matema Secondary School EG
Jestina’s vision is rooted in her experience living in a healthcare desert. “A close family member didn’t get proper medical help because we live in a remote village. I want to become a doctor to change that—for my family and my village,” she said.

Scola Chaula – Matema Secondary School EG
Scola was motivated by her older brother, who is a pharmacist. “Seeing how dedicated he is to helping others through his work inspired me to follow the same path,” she said. “I want to become a pharmacist and serve my community with care and knowledge.”

The Maria and Upendo Maono Scholarship is awarded to students, but it impacts the entire community. One father stood during the award ceremony and said, “I didn’t make it to secondary school, but today, I see my child going to Form Five—with support, dignity, and a dream. This is not just a gift to my family; it’s a gift to our whole village.” Head Master Anyimike of Mwaya Secondary School also reflected on the impact of the scholarship:

“Since the introduction of the Maono visioning lessons and the scholarship, students have been more focused. They now believe that excellence is possible—and they have proof in their own peers.”

Since 2018, the visioning lessons taught through EGEB afterschool clubs have helped students set long-term goals, plan their paths, and believe in their potential. The academic progress and personal growth we see today in these students is a testament to the power of vision, mentorship, and consistent support. As these students move into their next academic chapter, we know one thing for sure: they are capable of great things.

To view the honor roll of all Maria and Upendo Maono Recipients, click here.

To support Empowered Girls Enlightened Boys and this scholarship program, click the button below.