Empowering a continent by creating better livelihoods through education.
The Wings to Fly scholarship program, an initiative of the Equity Group and Mastercard Foundation (MCF), was established to support secondary education for top performing children from financially challenged backgrounds. With support from other partners, the program offers access to leadership training to previously marginalized children in all counties.
The program offers comprehensive support for the scholars through provision of tuition fees, accommodation, books, uniform, shopping, pocket money and transport to and from school during their 4 years of secondary education. It has so far supported 60,009 bright but economically challenged scholars. MCF has so far committed to support 10,000 scholars through two phases of funding with the last intake joining the program in 2021.
This evolution is rooted in omotenashi (wholehearted hospitality) and monozukuri (the art of making things). Whether it’s a high-budget video game or a traditional tea ceremony, there is a meticulous attention to detail that defines the Japanese approach to creativity. Anime and Manga: The Global Vanguard
The most visible pillars of the industry are anime and manga. Unlike Western comics, which were historically viewed as "for kids," manga in Japan covers every conceivable genre—from high-stakes corporate drama to gourmet cooking.
Manga often serves as the "storyboard" for anime. Successful series like One Piece or Demon Slayer create a feedback loop of merchandise, movies, and theme park attractions.
The industry currently faces a crossroads. A shrinking, aging population means the domestic market is tightening, forcing companies to look outward. This has led to a surge in collaborations with platforms like Netflix and the global "simulcasting" of anime.
Even the concept of "Kawaii" (cuteness) has deep roots. What started as a subculture in the 1970s with Hello Kitty has become a national aesthetic, used by everyone from local police forces to major banks to appear more approachable and harmonious—a key tenet of Japanese society. Challenges and the Future
Japan is the spiritual home of modern gaming. Companies like Nintendo, Sony, and Sega didn't just build hardware; they created cultural icons like Mario and Pikachu.
01
Martha completes primary school and passes her main exams with flying colors.
02
Her parents can’t afford her high school tuition. She then applies for the Wings To Fly program.
03
The Wings to Fly stepped in with a scholarship
04
Martha does exceptionally well in her main secondary school exams with a vision in mind for her career.
05
ELP steps in and Martha gets to study in an Ivy League university where she gets the best education.
