Denise Nyakeru Foundation Awards Top Students in Excellentia 2025

On August 14, 2025, the Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation (FDNT) will host the 6th edition of its Excellentia Award Ceremony, celebrating top-performing Congolese students.

Founded in May 2019 by the First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo shortly after the inauguration of her husband, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the FDNT aims to build a society where every woman is valued and where merit is rewarded. It also works to support the most vulnerable across the DRC.

In February 2020, the Foundation launched the Excellentia program, awarding scholarships to outstanding students who excel in the national State Examination (Examen d’État), promoting education as a key driver for national development. This year, more than 334 students achieved scores above 85% in the 2023–2024 exam session, with 79 of them winning Excellentia scholarships after a rigorous selection process.

At the Foundation’s headquarters, students participated in orientation sessions where they learned about the program’s values, excellence, merit, and nation-building. Whether staying in Congo or heading abroad, these scholars share one mission: to build a better Congo through education.

First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi delivered an inspiring message:

“This country needs you. And you are ready. I am convinced of it. Believe in yourself. Give your best. Stay focused. And above all... don’t give up.”

The Foundation’s work goes beyond education. It regularly provides assistance to vulnerable populations, including orphans and refugees. One recent example was the First Lady’s humanitarian visit to Musenyi Camp in Burundi, where over 18,000 Congolese refugees are sheltered, joined by Burundi’s First Lady Angélique Ndayishimiye.