AKON, a Senegalese international superstar met with Senator, Dr Rasha Keleja, the CEO of the Merck Foundation, to discuss possible collaboration opportunities to support girls education, women’s empowerment and health capacity building in Africa.
Speaking about her meeting with Akon, Senator Dr RashaKelej emphasized, ”I personally love his songs. As an African woman, I’m proud of his global achievement and status as an African artist. I am looking forward to future collaboration to further support and build capacity in our beloved continent, Africa.”
Senator Dr RashaKelej has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans in the world for 2019, 2020 & 2021. She has also been appointed by The President of The Arab Republic of Egypt as Senator at The Egyptian Senate (2020 – 2025).
Merck Foundation through their ‘More Than A Mother’ campaign has been empowering infertile women through access to information, health, change of mindset, and economic empowerment. More than 20 African First Ladies have been appointed as Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More than a Mother”.
Merck Foundation has also been contributing to the future of hundreds of African girls through their ‘Educating Linda’ Program by supporting the education of many of the high performing girls by providing scholarships and grants that can cover school fees, school uniforms, and other essentials including notebooks, pens, and mathematical instruments, so they can reach their potential and pursue their dreams.
“Empowering women starts with education, to enable them to be healthier, stronger, and independent,” explains Senator, Dr Rasha.
Moreover, Merck Foundation has been transforming Patient care in Africa, with over 1200 doctors who had benefited from Merck Foundation scholarships.
