A volunteering initiative has been recognised for its innovative approach which empowers online students to deliver positive change in their local communities. The ‘Life of Impact Volunteering Initiative’ involved 75 Africa-based online Mastercard Foundation Scholars and was led by Inga Ackermann, Online Learning and Leadership Coordinator for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Making change in communities through volunteering The initiative was designed to enable online students to become local changemakers in their communities by designing and implementing volunteer projects. Each of the students was supported with a micro-grant to get their projects off the ground in ten countries in Africa, as well as the USA, Canada and the UK. In May 2025, the initiative was recognised with a Changemaker Award for the staff and students involved. The projects were supported by the Scottish Funding Council International Science Partnership Fund Official Development Assistance allocation to University of Edinburgh. The Changemaker Award at the University of Edinburgh recognises current students and staff who have made a noticeable positive impact by undertaking an impactful socially responsible or sustainable project or by inspiring others to act in a more socially responsible or sustainable way. Empowerment and student ownership The initiative demonstrated how a small amount of funding, combined with trust and purpose, can lead to impact, skills development and empowerment. Guided by four peer coordinators, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars received light-touch support while retaining full ownership of their projects. The impactful projects that grew from the initiative are not just a one-time effort but part of a larger movement to empower communities, protect the environment, and drive sustainable development across Africa. Project examples Kano EcoVision Led by Saadatu Sulaiman, Kano EcoVision focused on promoting sustainable waste management in Kano City. The project successfully engaged over 300 individuals, raising awareness about eco-friendly alternatives and the importance of recycling. Despite initial resistance from market traders, the initiative empowered community members to adopt sustainable practices. Through education and advocacy, participants developed a sense of social responsibility and a commitment to environmental conservation, contributing positively to society and the planet. Seeing the community embrace eco-friendly alternatives after initial skepticism was a great victory for our team. The goal was to empower students and community members to adopt sustainable practices and take action against plastic pollution, while also contributing to environmental conservation through tree planting. It proves that persistence and education can change mindsets.Saadatu Sulaiman, 2nd year MSc Global Food Security and Nutrition Circular Heroes Circular Heroes, led by Selasi Charway-Glover, addressed plastic pollution in local waterways in Tema, Ghana. By partnering with local groups and schools, the project educated over 100 students on the importance of recycling and the dangers of plastic waste. The initiative led to effective waste collection and recycling practices within schools, significantly reducing environmental pollution. The project successfully inspired young people to engage in sustainable practices, developing their awareness and contribution to climate change mitigation. I have come to appreciate the need for partnership and support to achieve good outcomes. Seeing how impactful this session was to the young people, I hope to be able to continue to inspire change among young people for sustainable development. We all have a part to play in protecting our environment, and it starts with awareness. Selasi Charway-Glover, 2nd year MSc Carbon Management St. Mary’s and Muda SDG Impact Project Chipo Paradzai and Ngonidzashe Makaha worked together to deliver two projects in Zimbabwe. The first project ‘Revitalizing Green Spaces and Raising Climate Awareness at St. Mary’s Secondary School’ emphasised the importance of climate action and raising awareness about the SDG framework. The second project ‘Addressing Period Poverty and Promoting Gender Equality at Muda High School’ provided education on the importance of menstrual hygiene and its connection to the SDGs, while also highlighting the environmental sustainability of reusable pads. Participating in this initiative was so fulfilling and gave me a sense of purpose. I’m looking for more opportunities to impact my community.Ngonidzaishe Makaha, 2nd Year MSc International Development Transformative outcomes This project reimagines online education as a platform for global citizenship and action. It redefines what is possible with limited means. It shows how online students – who often experience barriers to traditional campus activities – can lead high-impact, meaningful change when given trust, autonomy, and a modest investment. It is scalable, value-driven, and truly transformative. Over 1,200 hours of community volunteering were logged doing diverse activities ranging from tree planting and permaculture farming to menstrual health workshops and environmental clean-ups. 90% of students reported growth in leadership, confidence, and project management. Over 3000 community members across the continent were reached through the projects. Scaling of social impact is possible by the combined efforts of the projects to address urgent sustainability issues. By applying their knowledge to real issues in their own contexts the students became agents of change. Fostering innovation on a budget – students adapted creatively to local challenges with limited resources. The initiative promoted self-improvement to achieve benefit for communities and societies, has cultural relevance, and shows a commitment to justice and the planet. Students felt more connected to each other and to the values of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the University of Edinburgh. Coordinating these youth-led sustainability projects has not only allowed me to witness firsthand the power of collective action but also reaffirmed my belief that the future of sustainability lies in the hands of the younger generation. As young Mastercard Foundation Scholars, our energy, creativity, and resilience must inspire us to excel positively in addressing the SDGs. I am excited to see what our passion for change will germinate into. Marylyn Oduro Awuah 2nd year MSc Carbon Management The winners of the Changemaker Award Along with all 75 online Mastercard Foundation Scholars who ran projects, the Changemaker Award recognised their peer coordinators and staff leader: Marvel Owino 2nd year Msc Carbon Management student based in Kenya Marylyn Oduro Awuah 2nd year MSc Carbon Management student based in Ghana Theoneste Niyomushumba 3rd year MSc Global Justice and Community Action student based in Rwanda Precious Nemutenzi 3rd year Global Food Security and Nutrition student based in Zimbabwe Inga Ackermann Online Learning and Leadership Coordinator, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Ƶ Dedication to Samwel Jankey The project was named “Life of Impact” as a dedication to Samwel Jankey, a first-year online Mastercard Foundation Scholar and disability advocate who sadly passed away in November 2024 during his first semester. His sudden death touched everyone, and we wanted to dedicate this project to him, and his life. So for me and the online Mastercard Foundation Scholars, this was more than just a volunteering project. We call it Samwel Jankey Fund. Inga Ackermann Online Learning and Leadership Coordinator for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Recognition of meaningful action Demonstrated by the Changemaker Award, the Life of Impact Initiative has successfully created a dynamic platform for fostering sustainable projects with meaningful action. It demonstrates the potential for online students to enact significant change in their communities through trust, autonomy, and minimal investment. It strengthened connections among the students and aligned with the values of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the University of Edinburgh while most importantly addressing urgent sustainability issues and applying knowledge to real-world contexts, with the students rising as agents of change. Discover more Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh Publication date 02 Jun, 2025
