Education Development Opportunities Celebrates Wole Soyinka's 72nd Birthday, Dedicating "Aké Scholarship" in His Honor
Education Development Opportunities, Inc. (EDO), an organization dedicated to creating opportunities through education, mentorship and community development for the betterment of African – American education is introducing a work-study program in honor of Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka called "Aké Scholarship." The announcement comes on the day of Soyinka’s 72nd birthday. The program will target international students who excel in professional disciplines for study in the U.S.
Oakland, CA (PRWEB) July 13, 2006 -- Education Development Opportunities, Inc. (EDO), an organization dedicated to creating opportunities through education, mentorship and community development for the betterment of African – American education, today announced the "Aké Scholarship" a program for academic excellence named in honor of Wole Soyinka, first African to garner Nobel Prize for Literature.
"Wole Soyinka is perhaps one of the most notable figures in Nigeria today. His desire to bring about change for the betterment of people has taken him around the world. His undying spirit for social change serves as a touch of inspiration. Education Development Opportunities hopes to fuel that spirit with this academic scholarship exchange program. We celebrate him on his 72nd birthday this July 13," said Osagie Enabulele, EDO founder and CEO.
The program hopes to support the growing ties between African and American cultures. Those selected will receive a stipend, which is to help support them during their studies in the U.S. The honor is reserved for students who have exhibited outstanding academics and leadership qualities. Aké Scholars will receive a comprehensive internship in the U.S. by working with businesses that are owned and operated by minority owners.
The training is to help promote better business practices and modernization in Africa, once the students return home. The scholarship is targeted to third and fourth year Nigerian students, from under-resourced communities who are studying one the following professional disciplines: literature, medicine, architecture and design, law, communications, engineering or finance. The plan is to broaden its outreach after the first year to include any international student/s in the perquisite discipline.
The scholarship program takes its name from Aké – The Year’s of Childhood, Soyinka's literary account of his formative years, published in the U.S. by Random House. He went on to be educated at the prestigious Government College in Ibadan and continued at the University of Leeds where he became a dramaturgist and accomplished writer at the Royal Court Theatre.
EDO hosted the successful book signing and tribute to Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka in April at the African American Museum and Library at Oakland; bringing together over 500 politicians, business and community leaders. It was instrumental in working with Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown's Office to declare April 23rd, 2006 as Wole Soyinka Day. Soyinka also received Special Congressional Recognition by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, along other awards.
About Education Development Opportunities, Inc.
EDO is fast becoming a dynamic leader and cultural trendsetter; developing relationships between Nigerians and African-Americans through forums, mentorships and education programs. The focus of the organization is to establish a learning bridge between Nigeria and the U.S. It hosted the successful book signing and tribute to Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka in April 2006; bringing together over 500 politicians, business and community leaders at the African-American Museum and Library at Oakland.
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