Those who are familiar with the ALA, like Tunde Folawiyo, might know that the MasterCard Foundation has been working with the academy for several years now, and in 2012, chose to renew its partnership, in a bid to expand the Anzisha Prize, and improve its Centre for Entrepreneurial Leadership. The collaborative efforts of the ALA and this foundation have provided many young African people with the opportunity to better themselves through education, and use their knowledge and qualifications to help the most vulnerable sections of our society.

A number of ALA graduates have been able to progress to university, due to the generosity of the Foundation. Miriam Atuya is one such example; she and several other students were the recipients of a full MasterCard scholarship, which covered everything from the cost of their visas, travel, living expenses and computers during their time at the prestigious Trinity College. Established in the early 19th century, this is one of the USA’s top liberal arts establishments, with many of its alumni having received honours such as the MacArthur Award and the Pulitzer Prize.

As a result of the leadership skills and education she acquired whilst studying at the ALA and Trinity College, Miriam has gone on to achieve great things. After graduation, she spent some time working in Nairobi, for a company called Sanergy, which specialises in sustainable sanitation. This organisation designs and manufactures affordable sanitation facilities in the poorest regions, thus helping to improve the quality of life for thousands of people, and dramatically reduce instances of disease.

Miriam has also worked with Root Capital, an organisation which offers access to credit to poor farmers. Prior to the provision of these types of loans, which allow them to operate within viable markets, millions of farmers in developing countries were trapped in the poverty cycle, unable to secure the capital they needed to improve their circumstances.

This company provides those living in poor rural areas with financial services, so that they can establish and run agricultural businesses, and gain greater control over their finances. Miriam first became involved with Root Capital last year, taking up an intern training course in Senegal. Her role involved visiting farmers living in remote areas, and analysing the performance of the loans provided by the company.