Learn more about Rosine

Rosine Mukabagorora is a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumna from Rwanda. She holds a Master of Arts in Education from the American University of Beirut and a Bachelor of Education with a focus on Entrepreneurship from the University of Rwanda. Rosine currently serves as the Program Coordinator for the Baobab Platform Mentorship program at the Global Give Back Circle. 

In 2018, Rosine was awarded a grant by the Open Society Foundation to collaborate with Girls Not Brides – London, a global partnership of over 1000 organizations dedicated to ending child marriage. Her project involved building a knowledge base on how child marriage occurs and consensus on key action points to address it. 

Before pursuing her postgraduate studies, Rosine dedicated herself to mentoring girls who were orphaned due to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. In addition to her impactful work, Rosine has extensive experience in hosting events. 

In recent discussions about the socio-political crisis that has affected the North and Southwestern parts of my country Cameroon since 2016, a tendentious issue has been how to provide access to educational facilities to the students schooling in these regions. In response to this, my friends and I organized a book donation campaign in August 2019. We reached out to friends, schools and organizations to convince them to donate didactic materials which they had no use for. After collecting about a hundred books and textbooks, we sent them to the regions affected by the crisis where we shared them with an initial group of 89 students. This initiative, which is still running, has enabled 400+ students to pursue their studies. It also served as a platform for us to establish an NGO named EduMail to tackle other educational problems in our country.

As the former Public Relations Manager, a role I served for 2 years, I reached out to students and teachers and convinced them to donate books and other didactic materials which would help the students in the areas affected by the conflict to study when classes are interrupted.

After stepping down from my role at EduMail, I continued looking for opportunities to help those affected by the crisis in any way I could and this is how I was introduced to the Mastercard Foundation transition program at McGill University which offered me an opportunity to volunteer for an NGO called Hope for Cameroon (HfC). Hope for Cameroon is an NGO that provides assistance to IDPs in Cameroon by advancing children’s education, empowering women through business and entrepreneurship development and providing basic humanitarian relief to internally displaced women and children. I quickly realized this was a chance for me to leverage my ability to tell stories in a compelling in order to drive people into action or rally to cause. That is why since September 2022, I am volunteering as the social media manager for HfC in order to use my voice to tell the stories of IDPs from the world’s most neglected crisis.

Through my experiences with EduMail and now as the social media manager for Hope for Cameroon, I have learned the power of using my voice to make a change in my community. I understand that my words have the ability to inspire and motivate others to take action. Currently, I use my voice to raise awareness about the socio-political crisis affecting the North and Southwestern regions of Cameroon and the plight of the internally displaced persons (IDPs). Through compelling storytelling on social media platforms, I share the stories of IDPs, highlighting their struggles, resilience, and the urgent need for assistance. By amplifying their voices and bringing attention to their situation, I aim to mobilize individuals, organizations, and governments to support Hope for Cameroon’s efforts in providing education, empowerment, and humanitarian relief to IDPs.

Youth voice is crucial for making change happen because young people bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and boundless energy to address societal challenges. As a young person myself, I understand the unique concerns and aspirations of my generation. By using my voice, I not only represent the voices of the affected communities, but I also engage and empower other young people to join the cause. I encourage them to share their opinions, take action, and become active participants in shaping a better future. Youth voice fosters inclusivity, diversity, and the opportunity for collaborative problem-solving, ensuring that the solutions proposed are comprehensive and sustainable.

The change I want to see in my world is a society where education is accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances or geographical location. I believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and transforming lives. To contribute to this change, I utilize my talents in storytelling and leadership. Through social media, I leverage the power of words, images, and videos to create awareness about educational challenges and advocate for equal access to quality education. By sharing the stories of those affected by
the crisis and demonstrating the impact of educational initiatives, I aim to inspire others to support and invest in education, ultimately creating a more equitable society.

In addition, I utilize my leadership skills to mobilize resources, engage volunteers, and collaborate with like-minded organizations. By bringing people together, we can pool our talents, knowledge, and
resources to make a greater impact. Whether it is organizing book donation campaigns or implementing education programs, I strive to create sustainable solutions that address the root causes of educational inequalities.

Learn more about Etian

Etian is a final-year Mastercard Foundation Scholar and Electrical Power Systems Engineering Student at the African Leadership College in Mauritius. Hailing from Cameroon, he is passionate about technology, data analysis and consulting.

Etian has been equally involved in 2 major projects to assist the victims of the Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon. His role as a social media and public relations manager at EduMail and Hope for Cameroon, enables Etian to leverage his ability to tell compelling stories that drive people into action or rally to a cause. His actions have impacted over 400 IDP students to date.

Bringing Hope to My Community; Using My Voice to Shape the Mindset of Underprivileged Children in the Ghanaian Society

Most of the time, underprivileged children are equated to being poor. However, being underprivileged is more than just coming from a low-income background. Such children often lack access to quality education, shelter, healthy food, and medical care. There are many brilliant but underprivileged children in Eduafo, a small village in the Central Region of Ghana where I grew up. Most of the inhabitants in the community are into farming, and the kids in the village have fewer privileges and opportunities than most children in towns and cities in Ghana. I currently do not have the adequate financial muscle to support all these less privileged kids to have a normal, comfortable childhood, yet I have been using my voice in diverse ways to change the Eduafo community and Ghanaian society.

I grew up under the auspices of one of my primary school teachers, who motivated me, gave me hope, and strengthened me to overcome almost every life impediment that came my way. When I completed junior high school in 2015 and was waiting for my Basic Education Certificate Examination results and school placement to be released, an unfortunate thing happened. My grandmother, who was my caretaker, since my mother passed on in 2004, also departed this life. A family member bluntly told me to restart my fish-mongering business because no one would fund my education. Although I had no sponsor then, I was determined to make a difference in the family. I wanted to be the first among six children to have senior high school (SHS) and tertiary education. I did everything in my capacity: fish-mongering, head-pottering oranges, bags of charcoal, and watermelons to raise funds for my SHS education. I now work as a private equity investment analyst and have vowed to bring hope to every underprivileged child I encounter.

I believe in the power of the voices of young people to effect tremendous change in the world. Using my voice as a young changemaker means giving back to my community seamlessly to bring monumental development in my community and the world. I firmly believe that the only robber of one’s dreams is the mindset, so I am on the journey of reforming my society by embarking on four projects.

I started a community transformation journey in 2016 at Nkwanta Catholic Basic School, where I had my elementary education. Being the first student to attend a Category A School on a full Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, I decided to mentor young girls in my community. I trained twenty girls on various topics purposely to reshape their mindsets and ignite a can-do spirit in them, of which three are currently in the tertiary while the rest are in high school. Again, I got a Mastercard Foundation scholarship to study at Ashesi University in 2018 and within a few weeks in school, I joined the Bowney Initiative as a mentor. I mentored ten young girls who are now in high school taking STEM and Business courses. I brought them hope that they could achieve their dreams regardless of their background.

In 2020, I started an Initiative called Precious Scholars at Nkwanta Catholic Basic School to shape the mindset of students with similar backgrounds as me. I collaborated with a team of ten to mentor, coach, train and supply them with learning and sanitary materials. We trained them in computer literacy, financial literacy, reading, writing, and many others. As of March 2023, twenty-one out of the thirty-three mentees had gained admission into the high school, and they are very enthusiastic about the future because they are confident about achieving their dreams.

I am an early childhood education and development advocate, so I utilize every opportunity to support children, especially girls, to access basic education. Aside from my personal projects, I volunteer with Future of Africa to teach and mentor street residents, of which two are in school while one is working as a hairdresser. I also worked with the Akua Kuenyehia Foundation to train and share my success tips with five young ladies prior to attending tertiary.

I dream of having a world where quality education is accessible to every child, regardless of the background. Hence, I am leveraging my teaching, coaching, and mentoring skills to support underprivileged kids. Until every child on earth gets access to basic life necessities to realize his or her valid dreams, I am not stopping.

Learn more about Margaret

Margaret Andoh is an Enterprise Support and SME Investment practitioner with a passion for assisting African SMEs in achieving their social and financial objectives.

In her free time, she enjoys mentoring and coaching young individuals, particularly girls, to reach their life goals.

Margaret has volunteered with organizations such as Future of Africa, Bowney Initiative, and Akua Kuenyehia Foundation, where she has offered mentorship, education, and learning materials to those in need. 

Comme beaucoup, beaucoup d’entre vous ici, je suis SUPERWOMAN.

Chabi Soubo Faridatou, c’est mon nom. Je suis honorée d’être, ici, aujourd’hui, dans le cadre de ce sommet qui regroupe plusieurs jeunes venus de divers horizons et qui nous permet, une fois de plus, de prendre conscience de nos responsabilités, en tant que jeunes.

Originaire d’un petit village du Bénin où les opportunités éducatives sont limitées, j’ai pu réaliser mon rêve d’obtenir une formation supérieure, grâce à la Fondation Mastercard.

Je viens, aujourd’hui, à travers ma voix, sensibiliser la jeunesse africaine, en particulier et le monde entier, en général, sur les problèmes de santé mentale de plus en plus récurrents.

J’utilise ma voix, actuellement, surtout, pour encourager la discussion ouverte et honnête, sur le sujet. En effet, j’ai moi-même lutté contre les problèmes de santé mentale. Oui ! j’en ai souffert et je sais combien nous sommes stigmatisés. Peut-être même qu’après ce discours, certains, dans la salle, me regarderont, bizarrement, à cause des préjugés. Je ne vous en tiendrai pas rigueur. Car, n’eut-été la chaleur humaine, l’amour et le soutien dont ma famille a fait montre en ces moments, je n’aurais pas eu cette chance d’assister au sommet Baobab 2023.

En utilisant ma voix pour en parler, je veux aider à briser les stigmates entourant la santé mentale et à encourager et inciter les autres à chercher de l’aide.

En tant que jeunes, notre voix est importante pour que le changement se produise.

En tant que jeunes, notre voix est importante, pour qu’enfin, le changement s’opère au sein de nos communautés. Nous sommes la prochaine génération de leaders et nous avons le pouvoir et le devoir de façonner un avenir meilleur.

En tant que jeunes, nous apportons une nouvelle perspective, une nouvelle énergie et une nouvelle créativité à la table car nous sommes directement touchés par les problèmes de la société. Nous pouvons mobiliser les autres jeunes, nos jeunes sœurs, nos jeunes frères et les sensibiliser aux enjeux, afin de faire avancer les projets qui comptent pour nous. Nous représentons une source de diversité qui est essentielle pour des politiques et programmes inclusifs et durables. Nous ne devons plus être spectateurs du changement de notre communauté, mais nous devons en être les acteurs.

Je participe à plusieurs projets qui ont un impact positif sur ma communauté. Je travaille avec des organisations qui se consacrent à la protection de l’environnement, de la santé mentale et de l’inclusion. Nous organisons des évènements de sensibilisation, des ateliers de formation et des campagnes de collecte de fonds pour soutenir les personnes dans le besoin. Un montant total de 556.000F a pu être récolté dans la période de février à avril. Des centaines de familles dont des femmes et des hommes souffrant de dépression ont pu bénéficier d’une prise en charge psychologique et d’une alimentation équilibrée. Cette initiative a également contribué à sensibiliser davantage la communauté aux problems d’insécurité alimentaire et a suscité une solidarité accrue envers les personnes dans le besoin.

SOYONS LE CHANGEMENT QUE NOUS SOUHAITONS VOIR.

Le changement que je veux voir dans mon monde est un monde où tout le monde a une chance égale de réussir et où l’injustice, la discrimination et l’inégalité sont choses du passé. Je veux voir un monde où la planète est protégée, pour les générations futures. Je veux voir une société où la santé mentale est prise au sérieux, où l’on se préoccupe davantage des autres et où l’éducation et la justice sociale sont accessibles à tous, indépendamment de leur situation financière ou de leur origine. Je veux vivre dans un monde où nous sommes, tous, en mesure de vivre heureux et en bonne santé.

Pour y arriver, j’utilise mes talents et mes compétences acquises en leadership transformationnel, au cours de ma formation, pour encourager les autres à agir. J’utilise également les réseaux sociaux, pour partager mes idées et mes opinions sur les enjeux qui me tiennent à cœur.

Je suis reconnaissante, pour cette bourse d’étude qui, non seulement, me permet de suivre une formation supérieure, tout en me facilitant les conditions d’étude mais qui m’a aussi donné une opportunité, incroyable, de développer mes compétences en leadership transformationnel et de faire une différence dans ma communauté.

Je suis fière de pouvoir utiliser ma voix pour sensibiliser et mobiliser les gens à agir. Associer les jeunes aux actions de développement permet d’avoir une vision plus actuelle.

Chacun de nous a un rôle à jouer, dans la réalisation du changement et nous devons tous, travailler ensemble pour y parvenir. Merci.

Learn more about Chabi

Chabi Soubo Faridatou is committed to breaking down biases, raising awareness and creating safe spaces to support people who are in need. She is a mental health advocate and aims to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Chabi is on a quest to make the world more compassionate and mentally balanced.  

Jeunesse et climat: Arrêtons de fusiller notre planète.

Au fil des siècles, l’humanité a été confrontée à une série de défis, à court et à long terme et a toujours su se redresser. Mais depuis la révolution industrielle, une grande menace pèse sur elle et risqué d’engendrer des disparitions massives de notre espèce dans les prochaines décennies. En effet, si de nombreux gaz à effet de serre sont naturellement présents dans l’atmosphère, les activités humaines en augmentent la concentration et provoquent des changements du climat.

En matière d’activités humaines polluantes, nous avons les procédés industriels, la production d’énergie électrique et thermique utile, l’agriculture intensive, les transports, le logement et ses besoins. Le désordre atmosphérique engendré par ces activités n’est évidemment pas sans conséquences sur la vie humaine et son environnement.

Nous notons la multiplication des phénomènes météorologiques extrêmes, l’augmentation des températures et du niveau des mers, ainsi que la modification des régimes pluviométriques. Ces dernières contribuent à accroître l’insécurité alimentaire, la pauvreté, les inondations, les sécheresses et les déplacements de population, ce qui ne fait qu’aggraver la crise socio-économique et sanitaire dans toutes les régions du monde, notamment en Afrique. Étant l’ouvrier conscient et inconscient de cette menace, il est indispensable que chaque Homme contribue à lutter contre le réchauffement planétaire.

Les jeunes sont le fer de lance de la nation. Ils ont le devoir et sont les mieux placés pour apporter des changements significatifs dans la lutte contre le changement climatique. Tout d’abord, la population mondiale est dominée par les jeunes. Ils ont le pouvoir naturel d’aider à construire la résilience de la communauté et de conduire le progrès. En outre, grâce à l’activisme et à la sensibilisation numérique, les jeunes peuvent inspirer l’action climatique et sensibiliser tout le monde, des politiciens aux simples ménagères. De surcroît, ils ont une vision critique et objective des problèmes et peuvent mettre en œuvre des solutions innovantes et durables. Enfin, ils doivent se battre pour faire entendre leur voix, car les décisions politiques prises en haut affectent leur avenir.

Étant un jeune leader transformateur, j’utilise ma voix pour apporter des changements dans ma communauté. L’éducation étant la base de toute citoyenneté, je participe à des pétitions pour intégrer le leadership et la protection de l’environnement dans le système éducatif béninois. En plus, je participle régulièrement à des campagnes de salubrité et des sensibilisation digitales à l’environnement menées par le célèbre activiste béninois Ana Seko. J’écris également des conseils que je partage sur des plateformes dédiés à la protection de la planète.

Toujours pour faire entendre ma voix et apporter un changement positif dans la lutte contre le réchauffement climatique, j’ai rejoint l’association Jeunes Volontaires pour l’Environnement. Au sein de cette association, je participe à des conférences et sensibilise les populations rurales et urbaines aux comportements à adopter pour réduire la pollution. Je participe également à des activités de reboisement, de nettoyage de lieux publics et de collecte de sacs plastiques polluants. Enfin j’aide les jeunes porteurs de projets climatiques et environnementaux à rédiger leurs projets et à trouver des financements.

En dehors de ces actions sociales, j’utilise mon talent, mon leadership et mes compétences professionnelles pour impacter ma communauté. Je développe actuellement avec des collègues ClimatApp, une application ludo-éducative gratuite visant à sensibiliser au changement climatique. Cette application fait ressortir les actions et les sacrifices de confort que nous devons faire pour sauver notre planète de la menace. Par ailleurs, l’une des principales solutions au changement climatique est la transition vers les énergies vertes. Dans ce cadre, je développe des motos électriques qui peuvent être rechargées avec de l’énergie solaire photovoltaïque afin de fournir à la population un moyen de transport écologique. Non seulement j’installe aussi des centrales solaires, mais je conçois des appareils agricoles à énergie solaire pour promouvoir une agriculture responsable.

En résumé, le changement climatique est une menace réelle pour le monde, en particulier pour l’Afrique, et nous devons en être conscients. Individuellement, nous négligeons nos actions, d’autant plus que les plus touchés par les effets du changement climatique en sont très peu responsables. Mais le seul verre d’eau que nous versons a son poids dans le réchauffement de la planète. Je veux que chaque member de ma communauté, chaque être vivant, prenne conscience de son devoir d’éco-citoyen et qu’ensemble nous puissions agir efficacement pour le climat. De ce fait, d’ici 2030 nous pouvons nous réjouir des avancées majeures dans l’ODD 13 , au lieu de craindre les crises socio-économiques et sanitaires que le changement climatique entraînerait.

Learn more about Rock

Rock Agon is a graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University in the dynamic country of Rwanda. Known for his meticulous and imaginative approach and a solid foundation in photovoltaic systems and electric mobility, Rock envisions a future as a Power System Designer. Rock has certifications in project management and currently works as a Program Assistant at Global Give Back Circle.

Beyond academia, he is a passionate mentor and advocate for professional development.

Rock’s multifaceted nature, bilingual proficiency, sharp analytical skills, boundless curiosity, and unwavering commitment to his pursuits define his character.

Breaking Barriers and Creating Change

As I sit down to write about myself, I feel proud of the progress I have made in my life so far. My name is Tabitha Nyadeng Garang, and I am a 25-year-old woman who was born and raised in Kakuma Refugee Camp. Despite growing up in difficult circumstances, I have used my voice to make a change in my community and beyond.

Back in 2018-2020, I served as an education leader in my community Youth Association. I played several roles such as giving remedial classes to students during holidays and providing motivational encouragement to young girls on the importance of education. Through this, I was able to convince the girls in my community to go to school and was proud to be a role model for some of them. As a primary school teacher in the camp, I did not only impart knowledge to my students but also promoted equality among them.

Later, I worked as a classroom assistant with Humanity and Inclusion where my role was to create awareness in my students about the importance of equality. I was mainly responsible for including disabled students in other school activities and integrating them with other students. For example, forming discussion groups, involving them in games, and giving them roles in leadership since we were all equal despite our situations.

I saw firsthand how education can change the trajectory of someone’s life. That is why I co-founded the PovArts Foundation, an organization that aims to reduce poverty in rural Africa through education and employment. At the PovArts Foundation, I teach and mentor students on how to apply for scholarships, guide them through scholarship interviews, and help them prepare for a brighter future.

Our efforts have paid off. So far, the Foundation has impacted over 90 African students from 12 countries, and two have received fully funded scholarships to study at Cairo University. Thirteen others have already done their interviews at different universities. In the next seven years, we aim to reduce poverty levels in rural Africa by 1%, impacting over 4.6 million Africans through education and employment.

I believe that the youth’s voice is crucial for making change happen. We are the future, and our ideas and opinions matter. By using our voices, we can shape the world we want to live in. Through the PovArts Foundation, I have seen how empowering young people can make a real difference in their communities.

As someone who has lived in a refugee camp, I know firsthand the struggles that many people face. That is why the change I want to see in the world is one where everyone has equal access to education and opportunities. I am using my talents as a teacher and leader to make a difference, and I am proud of the progress we have made so far.

In conclusion, I believe that every person has the power to make a difference in the world. By using our voices and talents, we can create positive change and impact lives for the better. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to make a difference, and I look forward to continuing to use my voice to shape the world.

Learn more about Tabitha

Tabitha Nyadeng Garang is a former refugee who strongly believes in the value of education. Driven by the belief that education is a fundamental right and path to a brighter future, in 2022, she co-founded “PovArts Foundation” as a way to give back to her community. The foundation provides scholarship training and educational resources to financially challenged students to help them access the opportunities they deserve.  

Through the PovArts Foundation, Tabitha has supported hundreds of students overcoming financial barriers to pursue their academic dreams. Over the past 2 years, her work has impacted over 150 students and enabled 7 students to get fully funded scholarships at different universities. Tabitha’s goal is to be a guiding light for students to help them navigate challenges and reach their aspirations. 

When I was only ten years old, I experienced something that changed my life forever. One morning, I was playing in [a] garden plantation when a close family member, whom I trusted and looked up to, sexually assaulted me. It was a traumatic experience that left me feeling violated and helpless.

After the assault, I was scared to speak out. I was afraid of what people might think of me and how they might treat me if I revealed the truth. However, my grandmother, who was the only one who knew about the assault, chose to remain silent. It was a taboo topic in our family and community, and she didn’t want to bring shame to our family. Growing up with this trauma was not easy. I felt like I was carrying a burden that nobody could understand. As I got older, I began to realize that what happened to me was not my fault.

I decided to break the silence and speak out about my experience though silenced and ignored, and sometimes blamed on multiple occasions. It wasn’t easy, but I knew it was necessary. This birthed my desire to advocate for the rights of other young women and girls in my community. For years, I have used my voice to create awareness and bring attention to issues that affect young women and girls, such as sexual reproductive health, gender-based violence, and human trafficking.

One of the ways I use my voice to make change in my community is by volunteering with Ask Without Shame, a non-profit organization that provides sex education and services to young people in Uganda.

Through my work with Ask Without Shame, I have had the opportunity to educate young people on sexual reproductive health and rights, empowering them to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives. By providing access to information and resources, we can prevent young people from engaging in risky sexual behaviour that can lead to unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and other consequences.

I believe youth voice is essential for making change happen because young people have a unique perspective and can offer fresh insights and ideas. We are the future leaders, and our input is critical in shaping policies and programs that affect our lives.

The change I want to see in the world is a world where young women and girls are empowered to reach their full potential. I want to live in a world where all young people have access to education, healthcare, and the resources they need to thrive. I believe that education is the key to creating this change, and I am using my talents and leadership to make this happen.

Through my work with Ask Without Shame, I have been able to make a significant impact on the lives of young people in Uganda. By providing them with access to information and resources, we can help them make informed decisions about their bodies and lives. We can also help them break the cycle of poverty and improve their economic prospects by empowering them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

As someone who has experienced firsthand the challenges of growing up without access to sexual education and services, I know just how important it is to provide these resources to young people. By using my voice and my experiences to advocate for change, I am making a real difference in the lives of young people in my community.

I also volunteer at Dahila’s Hope, a nonprofit organization focused on bringing back hope and purpose to human and sex trafficking victims. My work in this organization as a counsellor and mentor equips women with knowledge on how to survive sex traffickers and facilitating a sex slave recovery program has also been a crucial part of my work. By educating them on the warning signs and risks associated with trafficking, we can empower them to protect themselves and their peers. We can also help them recover from the trauma and abuse they have experienced.

In conclusion, my work with Ask Without Shame and other organizations has allowed me to use my voice to make a difference in the lives of young people in my community. By empowering them with information, resources, and skills, we can help them reach their full potential and create a better future for themselves and their families. I am committed to continuing this work and using my talents and leadership to make a positive impact on the world.

Learn more about Ritah

Hailing from Uganda, Ritah Arishaba’s journey is profoundly inspiring.

In 2019, she earned a Mastercard Foundation scholarship to study Medical Sciences with a focus on Public Health. In 2017, Ritah founded “Strong Women Strong Love,” an NGO dedicated to health equity and providing feminine hygiene products to homeless women. From 2020 to 2022, she pursued her passion for technology and education, earning a master’s degree in Computer Science and Information Technology through the prestigious PEO scholarship at Austin Peay State University. 

Today, Ritah thrives at Goldman Sachs, a global leader in investment banking, in her role as a Data Engineer. She possesses remarkable programming and coding skills, establishing her as a formidable force in the tech industry.

In collaboration with talented scholars and program facilitators, Ritah played a visionary role in co-founding Baobab and Baobab Cycle, a platform that has evolved into an education and opportunity hub.

Ritah’s journey encapsulates unwavering determination, advocacy, and excellence, demonstrating her commitment to driving positive change and nurturing future leaders. She is a powerful source of inspiration and a catalyst for transformation.

Learn more about Yohannes

I am Yohannes Bimrew, hailing from Ethiopia, and currently pursuing my studies as a Mastercard Foundation scholar in Agricultural Science at EARTH University in Costa Rica. My journey began in the rural expanse of Gojam, Ethiopia, nestled amidst the Chokie mountains, where agriculture reigned as the primary economic activity. In this rustic setting, access to education, technology, and electricity was a formidable challenge. Each day, I embarked on a long and arduous journey to reach school. My afternoons were dedicated to assisting my family on the farm, with the fleeting moments of study available before the sun dipped below the horizon. Come nightfall, the indispensable companions were a kerosene lamp and firewood to illuminate my path of learning. 

Growing up, I bore witness to the harsh realities faced by farmers who could not cultivate their land due to the lack of animals for ploughing. Moreover, I observed fellow students unable to study because of the absence of proper lighting. It was at the age of 12 that a handheld torchlight was introduced to my community for the first time. As I began to use it and subsequently learned to repair it, I had a profound realization – bringing light to my community was my destiny. With this newfound sense of purpose, I delved into innovation. Over the course of three years, I dedicated myself to serving my community, ultimately devising a novel method for installing and innovating my own home lighting system using locally sourced materials. 

At the age of 16, I ventured to Addis Ababa in pursuit of a better education and found my place at Lebawi International Academy. The city’s vibrant landscape, adorned with towering buildings, vehicles, and the wonders of electricity and technology, captivated me. With every flicker of light, I pondered how I could extend this privilege to rural villages. This thirst for knowledge led me to the field of electronics maintenance, where I developed five groundbreaking innovations centred on renewable energy and agriculture. These innovations encompassed a mechanical charger capable of providing light without reliance on solar panels or dry cells, a micro-hydroelectric power generator designed to harness the energy of small rivers in rural areas and a vertical wind energy generator. The mission to illuminate homes in remote regions became my guiding light, and it was at this juncture that my dream of bringing electricity to these areas materialized. 

My experiences during this journey paved the way for me to establish my own startup, HuluSolar, dedicated to distributing and installing clean, world-class solar energy products for rural communities and schools, reaching the farthest corners. Today, my community enjoys the benefits of electricity, and no longer do students have to resort to kerosene lamps and firewood for studying. HuluSolar aspires to impact thousands of lives and transform the narrative of African rural electrification. 

The profound connection I developed with rural areas, where agriculture is the bedrock of livelihoods, spurred the creation of Eshet Farms, a social venture aimed at integrating technology into agriculture to empower smallholder farmers and provide them with access to markets for their produce. Through the Eshet Farms program, we have managed to create employment opportunities for 16 young smallholder farmers and positively impact the lives of 126 community members. Eshet Farms was honoured as one of the winners of the Resolution Project African Regional Social Venture Challenge in 2023, and we are committed to continuing our work in uplifting the lives of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. 

As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at EARTH University, my studies in Agricultural Science have deepened my understanding of agriculture and inspired innovative solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability. This experience has also instilled in me a strong commitment to give back to my community. Through my educational journey, I have forged connections with like-minded individuals who harbour remarkable stories of transforming their communities and the world at large. I perceive every opportunity as a responsibility to create a prosperous and just society. 

Lack of access to renewable energy in rural areas is not merely a hindrance to work; it is the obstruction of a brighter future. As a social innovator, I am committed to empowering rural communities, and I view it as the art of enabling a better life. I firmly believe that I am part of the solution, and I envisage a future where every individual in rural Africa has unfettered access to renewable energy. 

The World Through My Imperfectly Perfect Vision

A realm for the optimistic, a path for the wise,
Where the underprivileged hustle and royalty are duly rewarded,
This is my take on the world.
A world where love and hate are preached with parity,

If it were my turn to take centre stage,
I’d sing out loud and clear about justice,
Preach the grace of being human,
I’d be a journalist who presents the truth without embellishment,
I’d be a queen without entitlement or vanity,
I’d listen to the voiceless and remain available,
Making decisions that benefit the greater good,
Coming together with fellow ambitious youths,
Leaving behind the “I” and celebrating the “we”
What an invaluable and honourable world it would be.

A world where equality reigns, with no divide between small or big,
Where benevolence trumps pride,
Where the rich and the poor share from the same plate,
A world without racism or discrimination to divide,
This is the world I yearn to see and create.

A world where the doors of war slam shut instantly,
Where listening leads to peace and justice,
Where valuable knowledge supersedes the worthless,
This is what my voice sings.

This ideal world is etched in my heart,
I preach about it tirelessly,
The solution they ask?
It’s the change that starts within each of us,
Otherwise, our goal is nothing but amiss,
If we take wise steps to create change,
If we’ve charted a vision in our life journey,
If we hold hands with our peers to lead with passion,
If we empathize and listen to those who err,
If we put ourselves in their shoes while passing judgments,
If we cut out the senseless chatter,
We can make countries, continents, and the world – ONE.
I replied without hesitation,

For I hold all the possibilities in my hands,
I’ll be the first woman to blaze the trail for this change,
This is the bright future I envisioned,
Where boundless unity has illuminated the world.

When our enlightened minds generate ideas,
When it reconciles wisely,
In the world of technology, the fountain of knowledge,
Where its people harness their unique skills,
Where unity is praised, and hope is preached,
This is our time, we the youth!

We’ll promote justice and be a voice for the voiceless,
Lend ourselves to others and innovate solutions,
Amplify the voices of those who need megaphones,
Share our skills selflessly with the community,
Unleash the hidden talents,
Advocate for others beyond ourselves,
To blaze the trail for those who come after us.

Let’s preach peace instead of war,
Let’s be inquisitive instead of rushing to judgment,
If leaders decide together with those they represent,
While conveying their message with respect,
We’ll strive for change driven by action,
If we use technology for the greater good,
And equity leads to unity,
If we walk wisely, side by side,
If we bridge gaps and disparities,
We hold the keys to unlock the door to a utopian world.

We are the magic keys to unlock the utopian world.

Learn more about Roza

Roza Abrham Abate, visually impaired from birth, began her educational journey at a boarding school for the blind in Shashemene, Ethiopia. Later, she completed her high school at an integrated school in Addis Ababa. Currently a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Gondar, she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is set to graduate in 2024.

Her love for poetry, theatre, and singing started at a young age which led to her determination to use her education and her voice to empower marginalized communities. Roza actively participates in campus clubs, volunteering her time and providing counselling services to those in need. Her ultimate goal is to establish an organization that supports individuals with disabilities, cancer patients, underserved children, and the elderly in achieving their dreams, and is committed to making a positive impact on the world.

Disability Inclusion in the Ugandan Creative Industry

Aganza Kisaka and I just created the biggest feature movie in Ugandan cinema, “When You Become Me,” that is fostering Disability Inclusion. It premiered on March 15th 2023, with the US ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Natalie Brown being the chief guest.

I became Kisaka’s friend specifically to put this movie down. After winning numerous international awards in creative writing, she had become the talk of our Ugandan cinema. The first time I met her, I was prepared to question her about movie aesthetics in the Discussion Class she was visiting. That was in late March 2022 at Makerere University, when I was still pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Drama and Film. The class we were having was scriptwriting, and its instructor, Dr. Charles Mulekwa had told us to watch and analyze Kisaka’s short movie, “Vanilla,” which she had just released. We would then base on it to ask her questions about movie aesthetics.

However, when she said that beyond the aesthetics of Vanilla, she had written and produced it to give a voice to the people living with disabilities in Uganda, and also that she hoped that we would be inspired to use our creative voices in creating change around society, my first question to her was this; “why didn’t you produce a full feature movie?”

“Because that’s a big budget for you and I couldn’t lay my hands on a sponsor,” she retorted.

Then I continued smilingly; “if I found a sponsor, would you work with me on the next project?” The whole class laughed as she nodded back, breaking with a thick laughter as if she was watching Trevor Noah’s comedy.

I could say I was just being funny, but I was also prepared to give this a try. When I look back, I know my resolution to find a sponsor was shaped by the career mapping sessions I was attending every weekend as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar. I had been active in such sessions because I was President of the Scholars Association, and also, because I could easily advertise and sell my African fashion products to scholars gathered in those sessions.

My fashion venture then, Naoo Fashion House, was helping foster African heritage in Kampala’s fashion industry by making and promoting high end African suits, ankaras and customized T-shirts. I had founded this venture to respond to the increased dumping of Western fashion in Kampala, but also out of passion for African fashion and the whole creative industry.

My efforts at finding a sponsor were therefore a consequence of my resolution to succeed in the creative industry that the career mapping sessions had helped shape.

Kisaka left me with her business card and we kept a professional friendship. Later on in June, I attended the Uganda Film Festival where I met and befriended the Country Director of Light for the World, Mr. Sylvester Kasozi. This friendship was for a reason—Light for the World (Uganda) had sponsored Air Jay, an upcoming local musician living with visual impairment to create a collaborative hit song “Did you Know” with the famous Darx Katel. I wanted to pitch to Mr. Kasozi about creating “this big feature movie project to foster disability inclusion”. He loved the idea and in a few weeks came back with a glamorous proposal—Light for the World was to hire the best two organizations in Uganda’s creative industry, Reach A Hand Uganda and Nabwiso Films to shoot the movie, which Kisaka and I would write.

We wrote “When You Become Me” from August to November 2022, and shooting and post production work started from December for three months, such that on March 15th 2023, we could have the movie premiere. I was happy to be part of this great cause, especially to have been the creative voice behind the movie scenes.

Being part of the movie also shaped much of my interests thereafter. I decisively restructured Naoo Fashion House along Disability Inclusion. We now train young people living with disabilities in creating high end African fashion and luxury items and employ young models living with albinism to reach our Ugandan consumer market. We are currently working on “Beneath My Skin” the first ever Models Album to feature young people living with albinism in the fashion industry of Uganda.

Learn more about Ngobi

Ngobi Ambrose is a film and fashion enthusiast, using both to foster disability inclusion in the Ugandan Creative space. He is known for co-writing “When You Become Me,” a Ugandan blockbuster feature movie, nominated 11 times in the Uganda film festival, and the Cannes World Film Festival in France. He is also a Founder and Team Lead at Naoo Inclusive, a fashion line helping to foster disability inclusion in the fashion industry of the country. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Film at Makerere University.