The Journey So Far And What’s Next: Ndyabawe Myres

Ndyabawe Myres (Uganda)
Makerere University, Bachelor Of Journalism and Communication

Growing up, Myres loved storytelling and writing so when it was time to choose a major as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Makerere University he naturally chose to do a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication to take him closer to a career in journalism. 

According to Myres, journalism presents an opportunity to interact with many people and this would help to communicate human interest stories to the world and create social change. 

Speaking on his experience as a Mastercard Foundation, Myres said “Being a Mastercard Foundation Scholar was my topmost achievement as it opened a pipeline of opportunities to me. I participated in two Baobab Summits (in Johannesburg, 2017 and Kigali 2018). I also became the founder of a social venture Rabbits for Education: a unique model of educational financing in Uganda. The project provides participants with rabbits and equips the students with the skills they need to raise and care for them.” 

“The initiative then helps participants find a market, so they can generate income to support their education and help reduce the drop-out rates in government-aided schools in Kamwenge District in Uganda. In 2018, I presented Rabbit for Education at the Baobab Summit in Kigali, Rwanda and I was awarded the Resolution Fellowship.” Myres added. 

Myres was active in student government, serving as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Representative at Makerere University. In that role, he led the Mastercard Foundation Scholar community to give back and support the Mengo School of Spastics with items to help persons living with disabilities in their academic studies.

To fellow Mastercard Foundation Scholars, Myres advised them to grab every opportunity that comes their way, attend events organised by the Scholar program team on campus, take up leadership positions, participate in competitions, make friends beyond the Scholars community and study hard to graduate with good grades and on time.

After graduating, Myres will focus full time on his social venture, Rabbit for Education to achieve a greater impact in Uganda.