Why should I join this community?

Tap into the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumni network of scholars and gain the advantages of dedicated lifetime support from the Mastercard Foundation Network.

How do I join this community?

To get started you must meet the following requirements, i.e. 

  1. You must be a scholar/alumni of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University
  2. You must have a continuous progression report and must be in your final year of study
  3. You must be a scholar of Makerere University

What do you mean by the terms : Scholar as Disciple, Scholar as Facilitator & Scholar as Mentor?

Scholar as Disciple

  • Definition: In this context, a disciple is someone who follows and learns from the teachings of another. A Scholar as Disciple is deeply engaged in the process of learning, often focusing on acquiring knowledge from established experts in their field.
  • Characteristics: This role is characterized by a pursuit of mastery under the guidance of mentors. The emphasis is on absorbing, understanding, and applying the principles and methodologies taught by their predecessors.
  • Objective: The primary goal is personal growth and the accumulation of knowledge. Scholars as Disciples are typically in the earlier stages of their academic or research careers, where the focus is on developing a solid foundation in their chosen field.

Scholar as Facilitator

  • Definition: A facilitator is someone who makes a process easier or more achievable. A Scholar as Facilitator takes on the role of guiding others through the learning process, creating environments where knowledge can be discovered, discussed, and digested collaboratively.
  • Characteristics: This role involves organizing discussions, workshops, or seminars that encourage active participation and engagement among learners. The facilitator guides the conversation but also learns from the collective insights of the group.
  • Objective: The focus is on fostering a collaborative learning environment where knowledge is not just transmitted but co-created. This approach values diversity of thought and experience, aiming to enrich the learning experience for all participants.

Scholar as Mentor

  • Definition: Mentors provide guidance, advice, and support, often based on their own experiences and insights. A Scholar as Mentor engages in a more personalized, often one-on-one, relationship with their mentees, aiming to support their academic, professional, and personal development.
  • Characteristics: This role is deeply relational and often transformative for both mentor and mentee. It involves sharing knowledge, but also offering encouragement, feedback, and sometimes even challenging the mentee to grow beyond their current limitations.
  • Objective: The aim is to contribute to the development of the next generation of scholars, helping them navigate the complexities of academic and professional life. Mentors seek to inspire, guide, and support mentees in achieving their own goals and potential.

In summary: these roles reflect a progression from receiving knowledge (Disciple), to facilitating the co-creation of knowledge (Facilitator), to actively contributing to the growth and development of others (Mentor). Each role is valuable and necessary for the vitality and advancement of academic and professional communities.