Scholar journey · August 2026
Programs · Education
Scholarship Programme
Need-based awards that keep high-achieving students in school — and the support that carries them on to universities worldwide.
About the programme
Tuition, books and meals for high-achieving students who face financial barriers.
The scholarship programme was the foundation's first. It was established in 2023 to award high-achieving students in high school and college who carry financial burdens, helping them cover books and some of their tuition on a need basis.
Its home in Freetown is the Prince of Wales School, where the foundation has awarded pupils at the annual Speech Day and prize-giving every year since its first — the 98th ceremony in March 2023, the 99th in 2024, and the 2025 prize-giving, where four more pupils were recognised.
An award is rarely the whole of it. When Elaine Wachera's first application cycle ended in rejections, the foundation covered her SAT fees and coached her essays through a second attempt — which ended with a full ride to Wellesley College. Scholars and mentees have gone on to fully-funded places from Berea College to Asia Pacific University in Japan.
- Scholarships awarded
- 11
- Awards in the founding year
- 6
- Consecutive years at Prince of Wales School
- 3
- Pupils awarded in 2025
- 4
Inside the programme
What the programme offers
Tuition & books
Need-based financial support towards tuition, books and meals, at secondary school and at university.
Recognition
Awards presented at the school's own prize-giving — a certificate of excellence, a sash, and a financial reward towards the scholar's educational needs.
Application costs
Exam and application fees, like the SAT fees that too often stop a strong application before it reaches an admissions desk.
Pathways abroad
Essay coaching and application support for fully-funded places at universities overseas.
Our scholars
The students behind the number
Kenya → Wellesley College, USA
Elaine Wachera
SAT fees covered and essays coached after a first cycle of rejections — now on a full-ride scholarship.
Prince of Wales School, 2025
Four scholarships awarded
Idrissa Kabba, Sahr Moses Sandi, Mohamed A. Jalloh and Ishmael Tarawallie, at the annual prize-giving.
Prince of Wales School, 2024
Five finalists, two winners
Recognised at the 99th Annual Speech Day — Daniel Kulagbanda and Mohamed Kondeh took the top awards.
Freetown → Fourah Bay College
Tennyson Kamara
Prince of Wales School scholarship recipient, now a university student.
Prince of Wales School
Reuben Bidwell
An art student recognised for academic performance at the 98th Annual Speech Day.
University · 1st year, 2023
Alex Charles Marculey
One of three university recipients in the foundation's first scholarship cohort.
University · 3rd year, 2023
Fatmata Swadu Jalloh
Awarded a need-based scholarship towards books and tuition in her third year.
University · 2nd year, 2023
Prince Kevin Ogoo
An FKF scholar who went on to win the UK MEA Business Award for his AgTech startup.
Fourah Bay College
Alhaji K. Bangura
A continuing scholar pursuing his university degree with FKF support.
From the record
Stories from the programme
Explore further
Other foundation programs
- LeadershipMentorship NetworkOne-to-one guidance through the leap from school to university and beyond.
- CommunityCommunity ServiceScholar-led projects that give back to the communities we serve.
- Global engagementSpeaker SeriesLeaders from every field sharing their stories, live and on record, with the next generation.
- SDGs 2030Youth EmpowermentEquipping young people to lead on the issues that shape their future.
- CareersInternshipsPaid and unpaid summer placements in real roles, running the foundation's own work.
Help a young person take the next step
Take part in the work, or support it with a gift. Every contribution moves a student forward.