When Juliana's older sister fled a forced marriage to an elderly man, conflict within the family escalated and Juliana's education came to a halt.

Her mother was blamed for helping her sister escape. Soon, Juliana and her siblings were no longer allowed to return to school.

"We were stopped from going back to school by our step-mother," Juliana recalled.

While her step-mother's children continued their education, Juliana spent her days gathering firewood and water, preparing meals, washing uniforms, and caring for younger children. Food was often scarce.

"Sometimes we did not eat ourselves," she shared. "Unless we fetched water that day, then they would give us something to eat."

Juliana's story highlights that for girls living in extreme poverty, school fees are often only one of many barriers to education. Returning to school was only the first step. After years of family conflict, interrupted schooling, and being made to feel that her education—and her future—didn’t matter, Juliana also needed opportunities to heal, rebuild her confidence, develop practical skills, and discover what she was capable of becoming.

That is why Mercy Beyond Borders provides more than scholarships. Through leadership development, life-skills training, counseling, tutoring, home visits, and other wrap-around support, girls like Juliana are not just learning, they’re thriving.

Today, Juliana is preparing for her final year of high school. She is working toward her dream of becoming a teacher and helping create greater educational opportunities for girls in her community.