First Lady introduces pilot training scholarship for disadvantaged and academically gifted youths

FIRST Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has introduced a scholarship for youthful disadvantaged Zimbabweans who aspire to be pilots and is calling for applicants through her Angel of Hope Foundation to enrol for the 2024 academic year.

Registration has resumed and the closing day will be January 5 with strict emphasis that the registration period will not be extended.

In a statement, Angel of Hope said applicants should be from across the country’s 10 provinces and aged between 17 and 22 years of age.

“Angel of Hope Foundation run by the First Lady of Zimbabwe Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa invites applicants to register for scholarships nomination for the 2024 academic year. The registration process targets able but disadvantaged and academically gifted qualifying students mainly from rural areas of the country’s 10 provinces,” read the statement.

“The aim of this scholarship programme is to empower and provide a fully funded pilot training programme for young Zimbabweans from low-income households.”

Accordingly, those aspiring to be pilots should possess a copy of a bio-data page of a valid passport or proof of an application for a passport.”

“Aspirants should also be holders of Ordinary Level results slips or certificates with subjects Mathematics, English and Science while Advanced Level certificates will be considered an advantage. Aspirants should also produce certified copies of birth and I.Ds. certificates.

Accordingly, aspirants are also expected to write a curriculum which shows one’s district of origin as shown on a Birth Certificate or National Identification Card and at least three functioning contact phone/cell numbers,” read the statement.

Candidates will also be expected to undergo a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) Class 1 Medical test and will be required to write a pre-entry selection test.

“Any additional educational background is welcomed, but not mandatory,” reads the statement.

Applicants will be required to pen a 250 worded motivational letter on why they want to become pilots, where they want to see themselves in 10 years, explain the aviation industry and forecasted growth of the industry in Africa and also the difficult situation they have encountered in their lifetime and how they dealt with it.

The statement read that applicants should not entertain unauthorised officials at the applications collection centre and should not leave without signing for their documents.

“Closing date for submission of applications is 5th January, 2024, no late submissions are to be entertained applications are to be dropped at 10th floor, Compensation House, corner 4th (Simon Muzenda) and Central Avenue NB: only those who would have been short-listed from the registration database for any scholarships opportunity will notified,” reads the statement.