From Learning

to Leading

Education is more than a pathway—it’s a lifeline for girls born into extreme poverty. Investing in girls’ education powerfully breaks the cycle of poverty and enables lasting change. When education is paired with leadership training, it provides a springboard for the leaders of tomorrow.

What We Do

Mercy Beyond Borders empowers women and girls in regions of extreme poverty by providing access to education, leadership training, and critical support services. Our programs span South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, and Haiti, and focus on creating pathways for girls to thrive, even in the most challenging circumstances.

From scholarships and case-management support to leadership development and career planning, we aim to break down the barriers that hold young women back, giving them the tools they need to lift themselves up from extreme poverty and become changemakers in their communities.

Where We Work

  • zero brain drain

    100% of university graduates remain in their home country

  • The 1st

    MBB has produced the first two female civil engineers in the entire country of South Sudan

  • 93%

    University graduation rate for MBB Scholars in South Sudan

Empowering Future Female Leaders

Mercy Beyond Borders’ young women, highly educated and equipped with leadership skills, are driving change in their communities. Palma Joy was born in a mud hut in South Sudan. Thanks to the gift of education, she now serves as a role model for the next generation of women.

MBB University graduate, Palma, arrives at a village in South Sudan to facilitate a community meeting on gender-based violence

Palma Joy’s Journey: From Student to Advocate 

Supported by Mercy Beyond Borders from primary school through university, Palma Joy graduated with a degree in sociology and now works as a Gender Officer with a global nonprofit. She leads initiatives that raise awareness of women’s rights and prevent gender-based violence (GBV)—both critical issues in South Sudan.

Palma Joy educates rural communities where gender-based violence is prevelant. She trains adolescent girls how to support survivors of gender-based violence and teaches them their rights.

MBB University graduate Palma leads a workshop at a local school in South Sudan about preventing gender based violence.

For the 2024 International Day of The Girl Child event in South Sudan, she mentored girls as they took over government offices. They also hosted radio shows, addressing issues like child labor and gender-based violence. Palma Joy continues to guide these young women as they step into their own leadership roles.

MBB University graduate, Palma, leads a discussion on gender equity and gender-based violence

Palma’s story is not unique! She is one of 85 Mercy Beyond Borders university alumnae in South Sudan advocating for women’s rights and gender equity. 411 other MBB high school graduates are creatively working to improve their communities across East Africa & Haiti.

Help Girls in Extreme Poverty Rise from Learning to Leading*:

Your support makes it possible for more girls like Palma to become educated and use their influence to create lasting change for themselves and their communities. Join us in empowering the next generation of female leaders.

  • $30 - Supports daily program needs: solar lamps, gas, internet etc.

  • $100 – Supports a girl’s primary school education for a full year, deferring early marriage

  • $250 – Keeps a girl in high school for a semester: tuition, room and board, personal stipend, solar lamp.

  • $500 - Builds confidence and leadership skills through monthly workshops and community service

  • $1,000 - Funds individualized case management including home visits, counselors, tutors, hot meals, and emergency assistance.

  • $5,000 –  Covers a year of university tuition, plus room & board, laptop, leadership training, & wrap-around services, bringing dreams of professional careers to life. 

For these girls, education is the chance of a lifetime.

*Examples of how your gift can impact lives.

Education
Transforms
Lives

Don’t Just Take Our Word for It… Hear it From Them!

  • "Mercy Beyond Borders has taught me how to use conversation to understand the perspective of other people. Instead of yelling, we can talk about our problems and try to think about a solution together."

    Fiona, MBB High School Scholar, South Sudan

  • “MBB changed my life. I was educated academically and educated in life skills. I don't have the words now, and I couldn't find the words to properly thank MBB for all it has done for me, even if I spent an entire year searching for them. Thank you feels too small.”

    Withmie, MBB High School Alumna, Haiti

  • "The most important things I have gained from MBB are my academic progress and the value of acting with compassion. I tell everyone, 'MBB is a miracle for me."'

    Mary, MBB Alumna & Civil Engineer, South Sudan

  • "MBB is the best place a young girl can grow up. You have made me the woman I am today."

    Manon, MBB High School Alumna, Haiti

  • “I am the first in my entire family to attend school. Thanks to Mercy Beyond Borders, I have improved my outlook on life and have hope for the future because I am an educated woman.”

    Esther, MBB High School Alumna, South Sudan

  • "The leadership workshops and volunteer activities have given me confidence and a strong connection to my community."

    Angelina, MBB High School Scholar, South Sudan

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