Impact Stories | Mastercard Foundation

Jean Pierre in a smart blue suit and sunglasses — Happiness for a Lifetime Comes from Helping People
Rwanda

Betty Mwende standing wearing a patterned blazer and white t shirt. — The Unstoppable Rise of a Kenyan Coding Prodigy: Betty Mwende's Mission to Bridge the Digital Divide
Kenya

Rachael Lawrence looking to camera — Know What You Want and Go for It
Nigeria

Sekina Hassen, standing outdoors in front of some street artwork, wearing a striking teal shirt and head covering, supported by partner Inkomoko 2026 — More Than Bread: Sekina’s Bakery in Bambasi
South Sudan, Ethiopia

Selphine Akiru standing in a field wearing dark blue coveralls — Selphine a Maize Seed Production Specialist
Kenya

Esau Higenyi smiling in a beige and blue plaid shirt — A Mastercard Foundation Scholar at EARTH University Seeking Solutions for his Community
Costa Rica, Uganda

Roza Abrham in cap and gown holding her class of 2024 University of Gondor diploma — Roza Abrham’s Visual Impairment Inspires Others to - See Possibility Beyond Sight
Ethiopia

Naomi Eyeanae standing outdoors in a dark blue farming coverall — Naomi a Poultry Farmer and Director of Kimmel Model Farm
Kenya

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

Stanford Convening 2015 – Aura Bolaños. — Stories of Impact

Young people's ideas, ambitions, and experiences inspire what we do. Explore their incredible stories.
View all

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.
Explore

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.
Explore

Jemila Abdulai

Engineering Dignity: How Jemila Abdulai Is Making Prosthetics More Accessible in Africa
Ghana, South Africa
Kuol Maper Alier

From Kakuma Refugee Camp to the World Health Organization: Kuol Maper Alier’s Journey of Resilience and Global Health Innovation
South Sudan, Kenya
Faith Musyoki

From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Faith’s Journey in Tech
Kenya
Ibukunoluwa Omotola

Ibukunoluwa Omotola - Turning Barriers Into Bridges for Young People with Disabilities
Nigeria
Gashaw Tesfaw

Disability Inclusion Advocate Gashaw Tesfaw Redefines Education and Leadership in Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Betty Mwende

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

Learn More About Our Programs and Partnerships