Ruth Kihika-Opanda from Kenya is currently completing her PhD in Chemistry at Kenyatta University, where she also completed her Master’s degree in Chemistry. For her PhD studies, Ruth is a recipient of the African Regional Postgraduate Program in Insect Science (ARPPIS)- DAAD In-Region Scholarship and she is pursuing her research at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe).
She is also a recipient of the L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Young Talents Award and is a fellow of the Mawazo Learning Exchange fellowship.
Ruth decided to join the Africademics Scholarship Ambassador Programme because her personal goals and interest in mentoring the youth to achieve their educational goals are in line with those of Africademics. She has personally benefitted from mentoring during her graduate studies and knows that mentorship has the power to be a catalyst for growth and learning, and she is, therefore, excited to become a mentor herself.
In 10 years’ time, Ruth would like to add value and make an impact through science-based solutions in Agriculture and Health, as well as establish her own mentorship program for teens and youth in rural parts of Africa. An interesting fact about Ruth is that she enjoys dancing after an intense period of work.
Welcome to the Africademics Ambassador Programme, Ruth!
The Scholarship Ambassador Programme
Through the Scholarship Ambassador Programme Africademics trains volunteers from across Africa to become scholarship advisors and mentors. Ambassadors complete a 4-month online course with virtual lectures, case studies and additional activities. Once they have successfully graduated, our Scholarship Ambassadors offer personal support, advice and mentorship for scholarship seekers and applicants in and from Africa.
Our 2022 Ambassador cohort started their training in April 2022 and we are thrilled to have over 90 students and scholars from across the African continent on board this year. In 2021, we welcomed our first cohort of 30 Scholarship Ambassadors who completed their training in November 2021. They now offer free scholarship consultations, mentorship and application assistance for scholarship seekers in and from Africa on a regular basis.
Meet our team of Scholarship Ambassadors here and let us know via our contact form if you would like to book a personal consultation with one of them!
