Omenaa Foundation gift widens access for study of Africa
SOAS has received a grant to expand access to postgraduate study for underrepresented international students. The scholarship has been established with funding from Philanthropic Consortium, generated through TOP CHARITY, a prestigious charity event in Poland initiated by Omenaa Mensah.
The scholarship will help remove financial barriers for international applicants for postgraduate study in the field of African studies, specifically an MA in African Studies or MA History of Art and Archaeology (with an African focus). The first awardee for the scholarship will begin their studies at SOAS this autumn.
This scholarship reflects our commitment to removing barriers to education and strengthening meaningful knowledge exchange between the Global South and Global North
Omenaa Mensah, Founder of Omenaa Foundation and initiator of the Philanthropic Consortium and TOP CHARITY, said: “We are delighted to support SOAS in widening access to postgraduate education and creating new opportunities for talented international students. At Omenaa Foundation, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for building independence, mobility and a better future. This scholarship reflects our commitment to removing barriers to education and strengthening meaningful knowledge exchange between the Global South and Global North.’”
Dean of the College of Humanities Professor Graeme Earl said: “This generous grant will make a real difference to students wishing to pursue postgraduate study at SOAS. It reinforces our commitment to inclusive access, academic excellence, and global perspectives in research and teaching. We are very grateful for their support and look forward to working with them on providing this scholarship opportunity.”
It reinforces our commitment to inclusive access, academic excellence, and global perspectives in research and teaching.
Omenaa Foundation is a charitable non-governmental organisation initiated by Omenaa Mensah. Its work supports education grounded in the belief that education empowers young people to decide their own lives, build independence and create a better future for themselves and their communities.
The Philanthropic Consortium was founded in 2023 during TOP CHARITY and initiated by Omenaa Mensah and Rafał Brzoska. It brings together business leaders, art patrons, and philanthropists around a shared mission of meaningful social impact. The Consortium creates a collaborative space for leaders and organisations committed to real, lasting change by combining expertise from entrepreneurship, culture, and philanthropy.
Through joint initiatives, grants, and partnerships, the Philanthropic Consortium supports social, educational, and cultural projects with measurable impact. Its mission is to professionalise philanthropy, strengthen a culture of collaboration, and help ensure that support is effective, systemic, and long-term.
