Scholarships for Excellence Project

Creating pathways for brilliant children to access quality education and break the cycle of poverty.

Introduction

The Scholarships for Excellence Project is a flagship education initiative by Shades of Us Storytelling Initiative for African People. It aims to improve education outcomes for academically gifted children who lack access to quality education due to poverty.

The project identifies exceptional students in underserved communities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria, and provides them with the financial and academic support needed to complete their secondary education and prepare for tertiary studies.

Beyond funding, the project nurtures each student through mentorship, leadership training, and personal development — ensuring that beneficiaries do not only attend school but also thrive in it.

While the initiative begins in the FCT, the long-term vision is to expand across Nigeria and Africa, creating an ecosystem of opportunity for young people who might otherwise be excluded from education because of economic hardship.

Goals

Support 100 bright but financially disadvantaged students through secondary education by 2030.
Provide mentorship, leadership, and personal development training to scholarship recipients.
Improve education outcomes in underserved communities and reduce school drop-out rates.
Promote gender equality and inclusive access to education for all children.
Strengthen partnerships with schools, civil society, and government agencies to sustain the program.
Inspire a new generation of changemakers who will contribute to Africa’s growth through knowledge and service.

Behavioral Objectives

Increase school retention and academic excellence among low-income students.
Strengthen students’ sense of agency, autonomy, and confidence through mentorship and guidance.
Challenge cultural and economic barriers that limit access to education, especially for girls.
Foster collaboration between parents, teachers, and communities to create supportive learning environments.
Encourage scholarship recipients to serve as role models and advocates for education in their communities.
Promote behavioral change that views education as an essential human right, not a privilege.

Gap Analysis

In Nigeria and across Africa, millions of children with exceptional academic potential are unable to access quality education due to financial hardship, gender bias, or social exclusion.

According to UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of education exclusion in the world, with over 20% of children aged 6 to 11 and 33% of youth aged 12 to 14 out of school. Poverty remains the most significant barrier to education access.

Research by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) shows that children from the poorest households are five times more likely to be out of school than those from wealthier families. Similarly, World Bank data reveals that girls in rural and low-income households are among the most affected by school dropouts, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

The Scholarships for Excellence Project addresses this gap by combining financial support, mentorship, and advocacy to create long-term change. It ensures that children with the talent and drive to succeed are given the resources, networks, and support systems to make it happen.

By investing in these students, Shades of Us helps build a generation of educated, empowered, and empathetic young Africans who will shape the continent’s future.

Activities

Scholarship Awards: Tuition, uniforms, books, and other essentials for selected students.
Mentorship and Academic Support: Pairing students with mentors, educators, and professionals for guidance and leadership development.
Community and Parental Engagement: Sensitization sessions promoting education and gender equality.
Partnership Development: Collaboration with schools, examination boards, and government education agencies.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular assessments to ensure transparency, academic progress, and program effectiveness.
Storytelling and Advocacy: Documenting and sharing student journeys to inspire more investments in education.

Audience

Students and families from low-income backgrounds seeking education opportunities.

Schools, teachers, and community leaders committed to supporting child education.

Government agencies, NGOs, and corporations that champion youth empowerment and education.

Media and advocacy groups working to highlight stories of resilience and academic excellence.

Donors, philanthropists, and foundations passionate about educational equity.

Reach

Between 2022 and 2030, Shades of Us aims to reach at least 100 beneficiaries directly and thousands more indirectly through mentorship, storytelling, and community outreach. The project’s scalable model will allow it to expand into other states and eventually across Africa.

People to be reached by 2030

Partnerships

Community-based organizations (CBOs) and local NGOs that facilitate on-the-ground engagement.
Government agencies and policymakers who support program legitimacy and access to public spaces.
Healthcare providers, human rights organizations, and educational institutions that extend services to audiences.
Media partners and film distributors who amplify stories beyond the screen.
Corporate and development sponsors who fund screenings, training, and outreach.

Together, these partnerships ensure that the project’s impact extends far beyond a single screening — sparking real, measurable change.

If your organization or institution would like to collaborate with the Mobile Cinema Project, please contact info@shadesofusafrica.org

Shades of Us Storytelling Initiative