Impact Stories | Mastercard Foundation

Stories of Impact

We listen to the young people we serve and work to amplify their voices. Their ideas, ambitions, and experiences are the inspiration for what we do. Here are their stories.

Phiwayinkhosi Precious Lukhele (Phiwa) in a traditional red, green, black and white patterned dress
Phiwayinkhosi Precious Lukhele (Phiwa)

Disability Doesn't Define Her: Meet the Entrepreneur Who's Breaking the Mold

Disability Inclusion Ghana

Disability Doesn't Define Her: Meet the Entrepreneur Who's Breaking the Mold

Ghana
Salami Afizlai Omowumi standing in a black tshirt with a Mastercard Foundation logo and black slacks
Salami Afizlai Omowumi

The Unstoppable Rise of a Resilient Engineer - Salami Afizlai Omowumi’s Mission to Build a Future Without Limits

Disability Inclusion Nigeria

The Unstoppable Rise of a Resilient Engineer - Salami Afizlai Omowumi’s Mission to Build a Future Without Limits

Nigeria
Martha standing in her graphic design and printing shop in Kakuma, Kenya
Martha

From Side Hustle to Full-Time Thriving Business: Martha’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Refugees and Displaced Persons Kenya

From Side Hustle to Full-Time Thriving Business: Martha’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Kenya
Betty Mwende standing wearing a patterned blazer and white t shirt.
Betty Mwende

The Unstoppable Rise of a Kenyan Coding Prodigy: Betty Mwende's Mission to Bridge the Digital Divide

Disability Inclusion Kenya

The Unstoppable Rise of a Kenyan Coding Prodigy: Betty Mwende's Mission to Bridge the Digital Divide

Kenya
Latjor Wuon Lat Dak stands smiling to camera
Latjor Wuon Lat Dak

Resilience Forged – A Decade’s Odyssey from Darkness to Empowerment

Education and Transitions Rwanda

Resilience Forged – A Decade’s Odyssey from Darkness to Empowerment

Rwanda
Deline Ramiro and Ishimwe Shem Vanessa
Vanessa Ishimwe and Deline Ramiro

Refugee Women Are Leaders

Refugees and Displaced Persons Kenya

Refugee Women Are Leaders

Kenya
Fletcher Chinyama a young farmer from Musa Site in Zomba District, Malawi who enrolled in One Acre Fund's program to grow his business
Fletcher Chinyama

How Access to Finance is Transforming Farming in Malawi

Agriculture Malawi

How Access to Finance is Transforming Farming in Malawi

Malawi
Sekina Hassen, standing outdoors in front of some street artwork, wearing a striking teal shirt and head covering, supported by partner Inkomoko 2026
Sekina Hassen

More Than Bread: Sekina’s Bakery in Bambasi

Refugees and Displaced Persons South Sudan, Ethiopia

More Than Bread: Sekina’s Bakery in Bambasi

South Sudan, Ethiopia
Kuol Maper Alier in a white button up shirt and a light pink and white paisley tie
Kuol Maper Alier

From Kakuma Refugee Camp to the World Health Organization: Kuol Maper Alier’s Journey of Resilience and Global Health Innovation

Health South Sudan, Kenya

From Kakuma Refugee Camp to the World Health Organization: Kuol Maper Alier’s Journey of Resilience and Global Health Innovation

South Sudan, Kenya
A group of students.

Akoben: Stories of Impact. Tales of Courage.

These are the stories of Mastercard Foundation Program Scholars and Alumni. Told through their voices and experiences, they speak to the transformative power of education for learners, their communities, and the world.

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A nurse crouched beside a man outdoors.

Saving Lives and Livelihoods: Everyone Has a Story

Watch three inspirational stories of front-line workers who helped shift the vaccine stigma during the pandemic.

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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Impact Stories

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Meet the inspiring young people leading transformative change in their communities.

Young Indigenous Change-makers

Sentillia Bubb

Building bridges of understanding between cultures

Canada
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Paths to a Good Life

Canada
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