First Malengo Scholar Graduate in Germany — A Milestone for International Education

The Malengo Foundation proudly celebrates a historic achievement: Ponsiano Ziriko, the very first student of the Uganda–Germany University Program, has graduated from a German university since its establishment.

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Ponsiano completed his Bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in summer 2025 and is now enrolled in the Master’s program in Biological Resources at our institution.

This milestone marks a powerful testament to the transformative potential of international education and the impact of the Malengo model. Ponsiano’s academic journey has been one of excellence and leadership. His Bachelor thesis, supervised by Prof. Dr. Florian Wichern, examined: “Provenance influence on African Baobab (Adansonia digitata) mycorrhization potential”. Ponsiano also took part in the SDG Project field trip at Rhine-Waal to Uganda in November 2023, further integrating academic work with real-world experience.

This graduation represents a key moment in Malengo’s randomized controlled trial (RCT), which is evaluating the long-term effects of international educational migration on student outcomes. With five full cohorts of students now in Germany, and a sixth cohort in selection, the program continues to grow — with over 250 scholars currently supported in Germany alone.

Malengo continues to raise funds to support its scholars and complete the RCT. Malengo provides high-achieving, low-income students from East Africa with the opportunity to pursue higher education in Germany. The foundation supports students with language training, visa processing, mentorship, and living costs — using rigorous research to measure and improve its impact.

If you wish to make a contribution to the foundation, please feel free to learn more at www.malengo.org or contact:
 Johannes Haushofer – johannes.haushofer@malengo.org

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