Having recently completed a dual degree of Master of Education-Master of Business Administration, Mikayla has set her sights on dedicating a year of her life to support 100% hOPE, a charity with efforts in Mityana, Uganda.

The opportunity to get involved with 100% hOPE arose after a soccer tournament in 2017 where she connected with the founder, Trishelle Sayuuni. Mikayla has been sponsoring a child through this organization since 2018, a testament to her dedication to the cause. After visiting the orphanage and school in Mityana earlier this year there was an urge to do more.

Mikayla's passion for education and her desire to bring positive change to disadvantaged communities led her to pursue this extraordinary opportunity. As a Year Level Coordinator at Roma State College, Mikayla has been teaching Business, Maths, and Tourism to students in years 8-12, honing her skills and gaining valuable experience in the education sector.

Her decision to work with 100% hOPE in Uganda stems from her commitment to empowering young minds and providing them with access to quality education. 100% hOPE operates with the mission of improving the lives of children and their families in Uganda by providing them with education, healthcare, and support. Mikayla stated “The goal is to educate students, so they have choices in the future, ultimately, it’s about providing opportunities for them to do whatever they want to do and be whoever they want to be.

In her upcoming expedition Mikayla’s role as an assistant principal will involve overseeing the daily operations of the school, mentoring teachers, and helping to develop curricula that meet the unique needs of the 300 students. Reflecting on her experience at James Cook University Brisbane, Mikayla recognises the significant role the institution played in shaping her leadership and communication skills. Acknowledging that studying the MEd-MBA has given her the confidence to take this leap, the practical tools and critical thinking techniques honed over the degree have made an instant impact to her career. The international focus of her education at JCU Brisbane prepared her well for the global challenges she is now eager to tackle.

To make her dream a reality, Mikayla has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise the necessary funds for her year-long volunteer commitment in Uganda. The campaign aims to cover her living expenses, travel costs, and contribute to the 100% hOPE charity's educational programs.

When asked about her motivation, Mikayla said, "I have always wanted to teach in a developing country and love having the opportunity to work with students to improve their knowledge and contribute to the broader community. It’s all about making a difference.”

James Cook University Brisbane, known for its commitment to community engagement and global citizenship, has expressed pride in Mikayla's initiative and dedication. Dr Ashley Orth, the University's Associate Dean of Education, said, “Congratulations to Mikayla on her wonderful achievement of graduating from James Cook University in Brisbane. She has been an exemplary student who was very committed to her studies in the unique combined degree of Master of Education-Master of Business Administration. I trust that Mikayla will flourish in this important initiative to assist underprivileged children in Uganda. Her professional skills and humanistic qualities will be a source of inspiration and support to all those she will meet on this remarkable journey of compassionate service.”

Mikayla's journey is a testament to the power of education and the incredible impact that one person's dedication can have on the lives of many. As she prepares to embark on this life-changing adventure, she serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that education knows no boundaries when it comes to making the world a better place. Her journey is not just about fulfilling a personal dream; it's about giving these children a chance to shape their destinies. We look forward to following her journey and sharing her impact in Uganda.

Supporters from Mikayla's community, university, and beyond have already begun contributing to her GoFundMe campaign, eager to be a part of her mission to bring hope and educational opportunities to Uganda's children.

If you'd like to support Mikayla Mason's noble cause and help her make a difference in Uganda, you can visit her GoFundMe page Fundraiser by Mikayla Mason : Volunteer Teacher Abroad (gofundme.com)

To find out more about the incredible work 100% Hope does please visit - 100% hOPE (100-hope.org)