Deng Mayen Deng Akol

Growing up as a refugee, opportunities felt out of reach. I spent most of my early years in a refugee camp, raised by a single mother. When life became even harder, I had to step into a parenting role for my sibling. With no mentors, no access to the internet, and no career guidance, it was almost impossible to imagine a better future. I know firsthand what it feels like to be talented, determined—and completely overlooked simply because of where you were born.

 

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But I didn’t stop dreaming. I kept searching for guidance and opportunities. That journey eventually led me to the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, a turning point in my life. It was a breakthrough, but it came with challenges. When I arrived at university to study software engineering, I had never used a computer before—not once. I had to work twice as hard to catch up with my peers. Learning to code, adjusting to technology, and building confidence in this new world tested me. But my passion and determination gave me the strength to keep going.

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Looking back at the refugee camp, I couldn’t ignore the fact that so many others were still stuck in that same struggle. I realized I couldn’t just succeed and move on—I had a responsibility to create a bridge for those I left behind. That’s why I founded African Learning Link (ALL)—a web-based platform designed to connect underprivileged students to mentors, scholarships, and opportunities across African universities. It simplifies scholarship and admission applications for students with limited digital literacy, helping them navigate systems that once felt impossible to me.

 

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ALL is more than just a website—it’s a support system. We match students with peer mentors from African universities and the diaspora who have faced similar challenges. We provide tools to help them build soft skills, find scholarships, and stay motivated. I remember how lost I felt when I first joined university. ALL gives students a roadmap I never had. It ensures no one gets left behind because they don’t know where to start or don’t have access to support.

 

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This initiative is personal. It was born from struggle and driven by purpose. But I can’t do it alone. That’s why I’m calling on universities, NGOs, educators, and policymakers to join us in building this vision. Together, we can make higher education and career growth accessible for refugee youth, IDPs, and students in rural areas across Africa.

Our mission is clear:
To empower underprivileged youth by providing mentorship, scholarship guidance, and e-learning opportunities. Through collaboration and innovation, we aim to break barriers, unlock potential, and create pathways to a brighter, more equitable future.