While the short-term scholarships from well-wishers often help talented students for a brief period of time, uncertainty about the sources of long-term funding is very stressful for the students.

Upon recommendation from the principal, these students may apply for the Madeira scholarship to fund the remaining years of their secondary school education.

After the student’s application is accepted, Akili Dada will assume responsibility for her financial obligations until her graduation from high school.

To be considered for Madeira Scholarship an applicant must be a girl from a poor family and achieve a minimum of 425 out of 500 points in KCPE.

There are multiple steps to apply for a Madeira Scholarship.

1. Girls from poor families who score more than 425 points submit an application essay discussing family background with reference to challenges she might face in continuing her education, and outlining her goals for the future.

2. Applicants must also submit a letter of reference from local authorities such as a Head Teacher, Chief, District Education Officer, or Pastor or Imam confirming the family’s financial background.

3. After researching the student’s background Akili Dada personnel will invite the next round of applicants to be interviewed.

4. After reviewing the application packet and interviews, Akili Dada board members and advisers make decisions and inform the finalists.

To maintain the Madeira Scholarship once it has been awarded, a student must meet three requirements.

1. A scholarship recipient must maintain high level of academic performance. She must maintain a passing mark of at least 50% of possible points at the end of each school term.

2. The recipient is required to perform a minimum of 30 hours of community service per year.

3. At the culmination of each school term, each recipient is required to write a minimum two-page self reflective essay.

4. Actively participate in mentoring activities as planned and organized by Akili Dada and agreed to by the school administration.

5. Pictures of the students will be used for fundraising and marketing purposes.

Email: info[at]akilidada.org for more information.