In high school, Quyen developed an interest in cooking and exercise, exploring the connection between nutrition and sports performance. When tragedy struck and she lost her mother to cancer, her world collapsed. But, her father encouraged her to continue her studies, knowing it would give her a better life than the one he endured daily as a roadside hawker, selling motorbike helmets. She forged ahead and realized her dream.

Growing up in a modest household in Nepal, her mother the sole earner, Ashma faced serious financial barriers to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. But with support from U-GO Nepal, she was able to attend university and gain the necessary skills to provide care to her community. Today, she is a proud U-GO graduate working as a home nurse and improving access to healthcare for those who need it most.

From a young age, Maheen dreamed of working on space missions, satellite technology, and astrophysics, determined to pursue a career where she could contribute to Pakistan’s growing role in space research and innovation. Through U-GO’s support, Maheen not only chased her dream, but proudly completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Karachi. Now, she is preparing to push boundaries, break barriers, and inspire the next generation of women in STEM.

Mary Ann watched her parents sacrifice and struggle endlessly. Her father lived with a speech and hearing disability, preventing stable work, and her mother was unemployed after high school. With three other siblings, the family’s finances were constantly stretched thin. But Mary Ann persevered, oftentimes walking to the port to find a cell signal so she could complete her homework. Today, with the support of a U-GO scholarship, she is a proud graduate and employed, proving courage pays off.

When Puja earned admission to the University of Dhaka, it came with significant costs and challenges. She struggled being away from home and managing her daily expenses on her own. Just when the costs of her university fees became too overwhelming, Puja was awarded a U-GO scholarship, allowing her to focus on completing her degree in social welfare and pursue her dream of becoming a social worker in her community.

Divyanshi watched as friends disappeared from the classroom, pulled into early marriages. Education wasn’t considered a right for girls. It was seen as a risk, one that might make them question too much, resist too soon, and dream too far. But Divyanshi, with the support of her family, stood firm. She found her voice and the courage to dream beyond her small village. With the support of a U-GO scholarship, Divyanshi graduated university and is now employed as a Tech Support Engineer, demonstrating that change is possible.

Afshan Naz is a Business Administration student at Iqra University in Karachi. She grew up in Lyari, a resilient neighborhood shaped by hardship and hope. After her father lost his business during years of violence in the community, her parents made extraordinary sacrifices—saving every possible rupee for her education. Afshan endures long bus rides and often skips meals to afford transportation, but she carries her family’s determination with her each day, knowing her success represents their shared dream.

Jennifer Santiago, an aspiring science teacher from the Philippines, overcame the loss of her parents and financial struggles with the unwavering support of her grandfather. Facing challenges during online learning, she nearly dropped out, but a U-GO scholarship allowed her to continue her studies—keeping her dream alive to graduate, support her family, and create a better future.

Neha Shetty, determined to pursue computer science despite financial struggles, endured a three-hour daily walk home to afford her education. Now studying engineering with a focus on AI and cybersecurity, a U-GO scholarship saved her from dropping out, allowing her to continue her journey and inspiring her to one day support other young women in education.

Kinanti Dyah Nur Islami faced constant upheaval, moving between islands in Indonesia after her parents' divorce, yet found love and support in her extended family. Now pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with the help of a U-GO scholarship, she balances studies and work, driven by a passion to inspire future generations as a teacher.

Jahnavi A., a determined young woman from Andhra Pradesh, balanced entrepreneurship and academics to support her education. Now pursuing a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, she aspires to become a pilot in the Indian Air Force, driven by a deep commitment to service and national security.

To Thao Vy, the eldest child in a struggling farming family, carried the weight of her family’s hopes and financial burdens. Despite hardships, she pursued a degree in clinical laboratory science, earned a scholarship, and now works full-time at a medical clinic—supporting her family and funding her younger brother’s education.

Ha Thi Tham overcame poverty and tradition to pursue her education, earning a pharmacy degree despite many obstacles. Once a rural girl with limited prospects, she now lives independently in Hanoi, working to support her family and contribute to healthcare.

Evania, a young woman from Sumba, defied expectations by winning a national millet-based cuisine competition. Overcoming financial struggles, she turned her passion for agriculture into a path toward improving her community’s farming practices and inspiring others.

Lynha’s parents were vegetable sellers, with none of their children in school. Lynha completed the ISF catch-up program quickly and was integrated into a public primary school.

Haway was supported through high school by the Room to Read Girls’ Education Programand went on to become the first girl from her village to attend university, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science.

Born to a poor rural family in the Mekong Delta whose situation was made worse by her father’s illness. Supported by Room to Read from Grades 6-12. Commuted 90 minutes each way to school every day.

Primary school English teacher for the last seven years. Recently became a part time employee at an educational technology startup.

Sreypich persevered and passed the formidable grade 12 exam on her second try - while working & studying in university. She earned an Associates’ degree (2 years) and currently works at a micro finance institution helping clients to secure loans to buy motorbikes.

“I want to be a nurse,” she said to John Wood, in the home visit program during our anniversary and inauguration of 10,000th school library trek. Impressed, John pledged to help her attain her dreams.