Merck Foundation Launches Girl Education Program and Expands Medical Support in Mauritius
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has launched its flagship “Educating Linda” program in Mauritius, aiming to support the education of 20 high-performing but underprivileged schoolgirls through to graduation.
This initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, is part of a broader commitment to advance gender equality, healthcare access, and social development in the country.
The announcement came during a high-level visit by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, who met with Hon. Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, and H.E. Mr. Dharambeer Gokhool, President of the Republic of Mauritius.
“We are proud to empower 20 bright girls through education so they can reach their full potential,” said Dr. Kelej. “Our long-standing partnership with Mauritius continues to transform lives through education, health care, and women’s empowerment.”
Dr. Kelej also highlighted Merck Foundation’s medical capacity-building efforts, which include 100 scholarships for Mauritian doctors in 44 underserved specialties, such as oncology, fertility, endocrinology, and emergency medicine. Discussions are underway to expand training in cutting-edge fields like stem cell therapy, CAR T-cell treatment, AI in radiology, and robotic surgery.
In addition to healthcare and education, Merck Foundation conducted its 4th Health Media Training in Mauritius, emphasizing the media’s role in raising awareness about key issues such as gender-based violence, child marriage, FGM, and non-communicable diseases.
The foundation also launched its 2025 Award Programs for media, musicians, designers, and filmmakers under themes like “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes & Hypertension”, encouraging creatives across Africa to use their platforms to advocate for social change.
With over 2,280 scholarships awarded across 52 countries, the Merck Foundation continues to invest in human capital across Africa, with Mauritius at the center of its efforts to empower women and strengthen healthcare systems.
For more information, visit: www.merck-foundation.com
