Merck Foundation and Kenya’s First Lady Launch “Educating Linda” Program, Supporting 47 Schoolgirls’ Education at Kenya State House
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has officially introduced its “Educating Linda” program in Kenya. The launch event took place at the Kenya State House and was attended by key figures, including the First Lady of Kenya, H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto, and the Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, alongside the Foundation’s CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej.
Commitment to Girl Education
Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating her happiness in collaborating with the First Lady to support girl education in Kenya. The “Educating Linda” program aims to provide annual scholarships to 47 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, ensuring they can continue their education without the burden of financial constraints. Dr. Kelej remarked on the transformative power of education for girls, asserting that it can uplift entire communities.
Support from the First Lady
H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto expressed her gratitude for the Merck Foundation’s initiatives, particularly the “Educating Linda” program. She highlighted the significance of dismantling barriers that prevent girls from accessing education, asserting that every girl in Kenya and across Africa deserves the opportunity to pursue her dreams. The First Lady voiced her confidence that the beneficiaries of this program would reach their full potential and inspire others.
During the launch, both Dr. Kelej and H.E. Mrs. Ruto interacted with the scholarship recipients and their families, gaining insight into the positive impact the scholarships have had on their lives.
Expanding the Initiative Across Africa
The “Educating Linda” program is part of a broader initiative by the Merck Foundation, which aims to provide scholarships to over 1,250 schoolgirls across 21 African countries. This includes nations such as Botswana, Burundi, Ghana, and Tanzania. The program also addresses practical barriers to education by supplying essential school materials to thousands of girls across the continent.
Dr. Kelej articulated the vision behind the initiative, stating that educating girls leads to empowered women who contribute to national prosperity and strengthen families. She emphasized the importance of girl education today for future women’s empowerment.
Healthcare Scholarships and Alumni Summit
In addition to the educational scholarships, the Merck Foundation has provided 328 scholarships for Kenyan healthcare providers in various critical specialties, including diabetes, cardiology, and oncology. The Foundation also held its Alumni Summit 2026 during the visit, recognizing the achievements of past scholarship recipients and honoring the winners of the Merck Foundation Awards for 2024 and 2025.
Launch of Children’s Storybooks
The Merck Foundation, in collaboration with the First Lady of Kenya, is set to launch a series of children’s storybooks. Titles such as “More Than a Mother” and “Educating Linda” will address vital social and health issues, available in both English and Swahili. Thousands of copies will be distributed to schoolchildren throughout Kenya.
Annual Awards to Promote Social Issues
The partnership between the Merck Foundation and the First Lady also includes the annual launch of eight awards aimed at recognizing excellence in media, film, fashion design, and music. These awards encourage participants to create works that raise awareness about critical social issues, including girl education and gender-based violence.
Details of the Awards
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Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work addressing issues such as infertility stigma and girl education.
Submission deadline: September 30, 2026. -
Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Open to African filmmakers to create films that convey messages about social issues.
Submission deadline: September 30, 2026. -
Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Fashion students and designers are invited to share designs that promote awareness of social issues.
Submission deadline: September 30, 2026. -
Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Singers and musical artists are encouraged to create songs addressing social issues.
Submission deadline: September 30, 2026. -
Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to promote healthy lifestyles and awareness about diabetes and hypertension.
Submission deadline: October 30, 2026. -
Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Filmmakers are invited to create films that promote healthy living.
Submission deadline: October 30, 2026. -
Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Fashion designers are invited to create designs that promote health awareness.
Submission deadline: October 30, 2026. -
Merck Foundation Song Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Artists are invited to create songs promoting healthy lifestyles.
Submission deadline: October 30, 2026.
Entries for all awards should be submitted via email to submit@merck-foundation.com.
For more information, visit the Merck Foundation website.
Published on 2026-04-17 23:27:00 • By the Editorial Desk
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