Education and Transitions | Mastercard Foundation

Education and Transitions

Education is a powerful driver of innovation, social cohesion, and economic growth.

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Since 2009, the Mastercard Foundation has been committed to education and transitions work across more than 33 African countries, with a focus on secondary and post-secondary education and the transition into dignified and fulfilling work.

Our Approach is Grounded in:

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    Wraparound support that integrates academic, social, and psychosocial support to help young people prepare for, access, and thrive in dignified and fulfilling work.

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    Institutional and systems strengthening by investing in teaching and leadership, governance and quality assurance, and policy frameworks to enable scale.

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    We employ an inclusive approach, incorporating intentional design and measurements to reach young women, young people with disabilities, young refugees and displaced persons, and rural youth.

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    Establishing and nurturing long-term partnerships and multi-year commitments with governments, institutions, employers, and communities to support systems-level change.

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    Focusing on African-led solutions through African institutions, leaders, and communities to ensure contextual fit, ownership, and sustainability of established solutions.

Our partnerships and programs enable young people to transition into the workforce by supporting skill development, employment-readiness, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Secondary Education Programs and Partnerships

We aim to strengthen teacher preparation and leadership, create inclusive learning environments with relevant curriculum, and support technology-enabled learning to improve the quality and reach of education.

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Girls Education - CAMFED

CAMFED catalyzes the power of the most vulnerable girls and young women to create the future they imagine: for themselves, for their communities, and for Africa.

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Girls Education - FAWE

The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) is a Pan-African Non-Governmental Organization founded in 1992 by five women ministers of education to promote girls’ and women’s education in sub-Saharan Africa in line with Education for All.

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The Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning

The Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning drives the innovative use of technology to improve access to quality education, particularly for the most underserved communities.

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Leaders in Teaching

Leaders in Teaching supports teachers throughout their careers and prepares them to deliver high-quality, relevant education.

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Skills and Development Training

We collaborate closely with partners to create innovative solutions, strengthen educational institutions, and build supportive ecosystems that improve access to quality education and facilitate successful transitions for young people.

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Secondary Education and Technical Vocational Skills Development Initiatives (TVSD)

Our work strengthens secondary education to ensure young people have access to quality learning and smoothly transition to further education or work.

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Tertiary Education Programs

We are committed to broadening inclusive access to higher education, strengthening institutional excellence, and driving talent and innovation.

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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative designed to develop the next generation of transformative leaders by enabling highly talented, service-oriented young people to pursue higher education and cultivate their leadership potential.

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Transitions to Work and Entrepreneurship Programs

We bridge education and employment by expanding work-based learning, strengthening career services and professional networks to support the transition from school to work.

The Mastercard Foundation Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST) Program, group of young women smiling at the camera

Mastercard Foundation Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transitions (FAST)

This fund helps young entrepreneurs to establish or grow their businesses by providing access to funding and structured support, including mentorship by experts, business advisory services and workshops, and networking opportunities.

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Mastercard Foundation Associates Program

This program provides young people with one year of high-quality work experience, equipping them with the competencies and capabilities required to thrive in their careers.

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Our Education and Transitions Programs

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Our Education and Transitions Partners

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Latest Education and Transitions Research

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Education and Transitions Latest

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Docuseries

Education: Transforming Lives, Transforming Africa

A nine-part Pan-African documentary series by the Africa Leadership and Dialogue Institute (ALADI), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, spotlighting the institutions, partnerships, and young changemakers driving inclusive, resilient education systems.

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Explore Our Other Focus Areas