Mwana Wa'Mai Scholarship

Background

“Mwana Wa’Mai” is a saying in Shona (a language from Zimbabwe) which translates to “my mother’s child”.  Many cultures across the Motherland of Africa believe in the spirit of togetherness and in this sense, all Africans are children of the same “mother”.  Tsitsi was born in Zimbabwe and migrated to Canada with her parents. Her father was a post-graduate international student and her mother worked hard to support their family while on a work permit. Her father’s experiences highlighted the importance of access to student financial aid and the many barriers that African students face. During her undergraduate & graduate studies, she learned about these hurdles first-hand. Fortunately, invested community leaders showed her how and where to apply for scholarships/grants where there were less barriers for marginalized communities. As an organization, Journey to Zero Safety Solutions Inc. believes that having financial security as a student is paramount to navigating an already challenging higher-learning experience. Worrying about being expelled from school, risking having grades withheld, or being ineligible for government funding due to technicalities are all barriers to success. Students should have the opportunity to focus on their studies and invest in their future without having to worry about survival at the same time.

Mwana Wa’Mai Scholarship amount: $2000

Number of recipients: 1 per year

Eligibility & Requirements

  • You are of African descent
  • You must be a resident of Ontario, Canada
  • You are currently enrolled in post-secondary studies at a Canadian institution for the 2023/2024 academic year
    • Canadian educational institutions which have recognized provincial degree/diploma-granting powers, or their affiliates (e.g. vocational schools, colleges, universities)
    • There are no restrictions on the discipline or field of study
    • The program must be a minimum of one year in duration
    • University preparatory programs in any jurisdiction are not eligible

Please note – the scholarship amount will be paid DIRECTLY to the institution for which the recipient is enrolled. Eligibility will be confirmed prior to receiving the award, so please ensure that you meet the requirements.

How to Apply & Submission Criteria

    Submit a maximum 3-minute video (Private YouTube Link/ Google Drive) outlining:

    • Your program of study and institution
    • Your current/past involvement in the community
    • The ways in which you think/plan to can give back to the future generations of African Youth who may face barriers to education
    • What in your experiences makes you proud of your African Heritage
    • Why you feel you should receive this award 
    • How would receiving this award unlock new opportunities for you/ the community
    • Any other information you feel is relevant to get to know you better

    SUBMISSION DEADLINE – SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2023 5PM EST

    APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

    THANK YOU & GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE WHO APPLIED!

     

    PAST WINNERS:

    Statement from Tsitsi Pena, CEO of Journey to Zero Safety Solutions Inc. 

    “I have always wanted to help my community. I am thankful that I am finally in the position where I can do so, and my heart is full. To be able to commit to doing this for someone out there who needs that last bit of financial support so that they can remain in school is a privilege I do not take lightly. My education has opened many professional doors for me and that is why this is so important to “pay it forward”. This is a full circle for me, and I hope that it inspires someone else out there – there is no such thing as help that is too small. This has been something I have wanted to do for a long time and many thanks to my friend and fellow UW Alumnus, Christopher Gunn, who inspired me last year (with the launch of his award) to just get started.  We can always get bigger, but it is so important to start. We have more community work coming up, together we can unite to break down many systemic barriers. UBUNTU. Every child of African descent is Mwana Wa’Mai (my mother’s child) and to you, I say, the barriers that you may face are not a reflection of your worth…your future is bright.

    With Love & Gratitude,

    Tsitsi “