KIT Fund Publishes 10-Year Impact Report: Investing in People Pays Off
To mark its 10th anniversary, the KIT Fund recently carried out a comprehensive evaluation among its alumni, shedding light on the long-term impact of its scholarships. The report highlights how the fund makes a meaningful difference by enabling talented health professionals from low- and middle-income countries to pursue the one-year Master’s in Public Health & Health Equity at KIT Institute.
Impact with increasing access to education
Since its establishment, the KIT Fund has awarded scholarships to 67 students from 26 different countries, of whom 61% women. The scholarships offered them access to a Master’s programme at KIT. Nearly 2 million euros have been raised for this purpose — a clear sign of growing donor confidence in the importance of equal access to education.
Key findings from the report
A mixed-methods evaluation (63% survey response rate; 7 in-depth interviews) revealed that:
- 81.4% of the alumni worked in their home countries after graduating from KIT.
- 89% have assumed leadership roles, 64% are engaged in policy or teaching, and 41% have published peer-reviewed papers.
- A notable career shift is observed, with 63% – up from 18% – transitioning from district and national level into international roles, reflecting the growing influence in managerial, and policy-driven global health leadership of KIT Fund alumni.
- Alumni report a broader worldview, stronger networks, and increased career clarity as a result of their KIT experience.
“ The KIT Fund was the first scholarship I ever received, and it came at a time when I had nothing financially. I always admired KIT alumni for their problem-solving skills, and now, after attending KIT, I have gained the knowledge and confidence to make my professional work much easier and more inspiring to others. I could never be grateful enough. ” ”
Future challenges
With the elimination of government funding (such as OKP/Nuffic scholarships) and increasing political instability regarding scholarship and funding opportunities for this target group, the report highlights the urgency of structural and diverse funding sources. “The need is great, the potential even greater”, states the report.
Do you have any questions or comments as a result of this publication? We’d love to hear from you. Send an email to kitfund@kit.nl and we will respond as soon as possible!
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