World Refugee Day
Africa is home to nearly one-third of the world’s refugees and displaced people, many of them young women.
At the Foundation, we believe it’s impossible to unlock Africa’s full economic potential without harnessing the talents of diverse young people, including refugees and displaced persons. That’s why our Refugees and Displaced Persons strategy focuses on expanding access to education, entrepreneurship, and dignified work - while working with partners, including refugee-led organizations, to remove barriers and support long-term inclusion.
As part of its Young Africa Works strategy, the Mastercard Foundation seeks to enable 30 million young people, including 2.5 million refugees and displaced persons, to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.
This World Refugee Day, we celebrate the contributions of refugees and displaced youth across the continent. Here, we share their stories of resilience, ambition, and leadership.
#TalentBeyondBorders
Watch: Refugee Mental Health Network
Featured in this video: Nyibol Racheal
Refugee Mental Health Network (RMHN) is a refugee-and women-led nonprofit based in Kampala, providing mental health awareness and psychosocial support to refugee communities - particularly women and young people affected by displacement and gender-based violence.
The Emerging Market in Juba: Victoria’s Healthcare Clinic
In her neighbourhood of Gurei, Victoria has built a dedicated team of six people, providing local nurses, laboratory technicians, and support staff with stable jobs.
How Second-Chance Education Opportunities Are Helping Young Refugees in Uganda Return to Learning
Interrupted learning is recognized as a wider national challenge affecting refugee and host communities and the Accelerated Education Program was designed in response. Learn about how the program is equipping young people with skills for education, work and entrepreneurship.
Learn moreRead the Inspiring Stories of Young People
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Yasin Hassen Mohamud
Read Yasin's story“I’m not asking anyone for money now ... have my own income.”
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James Gihoma Ntakiruti
Read James' storyWhat started with 17 children under a community shed has grown into one of the most impactful refugee-led initiatives in Uganda.
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Erick Niyonzima
"I want to employ other refugees and even locals. We’re all part of this community. Here in Kangemi, I feel like I belong.”
Watch the Inspiring Stories of Young Refugees and Displaced Persons
Interview with Grace Konan
Interview with Amos Kwizera
Watch Three Stories of Refugee and Displaced Persons
From Camp to Campus - Prisca's Journey to Becoming a Mastercard Foundation Scholar
Reflections from the Sudan Youth Dialogues, Nairobi Edition
By leveraging local networks and sourcing from local markets, young people are cutting through layers of bureaucracy and adapting quickly to changing needs, delivering critical support and modelling a community-driven approach to recovery and development.
Learn more
