The East African Community (EAC) Scholarship Programme, funded by the German Cooperation, is a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering regional integration among East African nations. Launched in April 2018 with a budget of EUR 14 million, this programme provides educational opportunities for students from EAC partner states. As part of its commitment to developing future leaders who can drive regional integration, the programme is introducing an innovative summer school for its third cohort of scholarship recipients.
Overview of the EAC Scholarship Programme
The EAC Scholarship Programme is designed to promote educational mobility within the region. By enabling students from different EAC member states to pursue master’s degrees at participating universities, the programme not only enhances academic collaboration but also supports the operationalization of the EAC Common Higher Education Area. With a focus on fields such as Mathematics, Engineering, Informatics, Science, Technology, and Business Science, the programme has successfully enrolled 180 students across three cohorts.
The Summer School Initiative
The upcoming Summer School, themed “Free Movement of Workers and Regional Integration: Opportunities and Challenges,” will take place in Kenya. This weeklong event aims to deepen students’ understanding of the EAC regional integration agenda through a variety of engaging and interactive activities.
Objectives and Activities
The primary goal of the Summer School is to instill a strong appreciation for the value of EAC integration among scholarship recipients. Students will participate in lectures from prominent EAC stakeholders, engage in mini-research projects, and partake in cultural exchange activities designed to promote socialization and enhance their cultural awareness.
Participants will explore key issues related to regional integration, including the history, progress, challenges, and opportunities that lie ahead. The event will also facilitate networking opportunities among students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of East African identity and collaboration.
A Unique Learning Experience
Hosted by a competitively selected higher education institution, the Summer School will feature a mix of lectures, group discussions, and hands-on experiences. Students will engage in extensive subject lectures, guided by experts on the selected theme, and will be encouraged to form research groups to delve deeper into specific topics. Additionally, excursions to local attractions and team-building activities will provide students with a holistic understanding of the cultural landscape of Kenya.
University coordinators will also benefit from a parallel capacity-building workshop, equipping them with skills to better support international students. This dual focus on student and coordinator development is essential for creating a sustainable support system within the EAC scholarship framework.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the Summer School, participants will have gained valuable insights from experienced stakeholders in the EAC, learned effective strategies for navigating postgraduate studies, and built lasting connections with peers from across the region. The event aims to cultivate future leaders who are not only academically proficient but also culturally aware and capable of advocating for regional integration.
Conclusion
The EAC Scholarship Programme’s Summer School represents a significant step towards enhancing regional integration in East Africa. By providing a platform for knowledge exchange, cultural immersion, and professional networking, the initiative aims to empower a new generation of leaders who will contribute to the ongoing development of the EAC community. As students engage with the rich tapestry of cultures and ideas within the region, they will emerge as advocates for unity and collaboration—key ingredients for a prosperous East African future.