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MMEG: How You Can Help Transform Lives Through Education

 
MMEG: How You Can Help Transform Lives Through Education 
By Lindsey Chang
 

Have you seen the colorful market held every November at the World Bank’s main complex, where you can buy beautiful items from around the world? That vibrant event is one way the Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) raises funds to empower women from developing countries.
 

Shop for a cause

You can “shop for a cause” at MMEG’s International Arts & Crafts Market on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, November 19, 20, and 21, from 9 am to 5 pm in the main lobby of the World Bank’s MC building.

 

Meet friends or family members, stop by the Gourmet Table for lunch, or take home delicacies made by our MMEG volunteers from around the world. Go thrifting at the Attic Treasures table, where 100% of the bargain price for gently used items goes directly toward MMEG’s education grants. Or explore nearly 50 vendors’ tables, displaying goods from around the world, to get a head start on your holiday shopping or treat yourself. Select a unique silver bracelet, snap up a cotton Turkish towel for the powder room, or find a charming toy for the youngest member of the family.
 

What is MMEG?
MMEG is a nonprofit – founded in 1981 in memory of Margaret McNamara, a passionate advocate for education and literacy – to improve the lives of women and children by selecting and supporting the education of exceptional women. Since its inception, MMEG has awarded grants to 562 women from 79 developing countries, enabling them to lead change.
 

MMEG grantees come from fields as diverse as engineering, health, information technology, education, science, social studies, and law. These grantees, most pursuing their master’s or PhD, use their education to become agents of change in their communities, helping other women and children long after completing their studies. MMEG grantees are now repealing discriminatory laws, teaching and researching fetal nutrition, and leading effective nonprofits to remedy childhood poverty, to cite just a few.
 

In addition to awarding grants, MMEG continues Margaret’s legacy through outreach initiatives such as MMEG Talks, where past grantees discuss important policy issues and share how the grants they received empowered them to make a tangible impact. The talks also highlight grantees’ success stories:
 

  • Isabel Madzorera, a nutritional epidemiologist, has addressed the broken state of food systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Her research connects climate change to food production and nutrition, pushing for innovative solutions to improve food security.
  • Lilian Elekwachi, a researcher and sustainable aquaculturist, has pioneered a hybrid fish-smoking technology that tackles health hazards and environmental damage caused by traditional methods. Her work exemplifies the resilience needed to adapt to climate change.
  • Easther Chigumira, a geographer and policy advisor, has transformed agricultural practices in Zimbabwe by using digital climate advisory services to help thousands of farmers improve their yields despite climate challenges. Her work demonstrates the critical role of policy and technology in building resilience.
     

How does your contribution transform lives?
The ongoing support of the World Bank Family Network (WBFN) ­– through shared office space, logistical support and a pool of talented, dedicated volunteers – helps MMEG achieve its goals, empowering women like Isabel, Lilian, and Easther to create lasting change in their communities.
 

These women are shining examples of the transformative power of education and innovation, each making an indelible impact in her field. MMEG’s support, driven by donations and the World Bank’s workplace giving program, Community Connections Campaign (CCC), enables them to continue their vital work, fostering a more resilient and secure future for all. And YOU can be part of it!
 

Between November 1 and December 19, the CCC will double all donations by Bank staff and retirees who designate MMEG as their charity of choice. With 100% matching donations from the CCC, your contribution goes even further in supporting future grantees. Support MMEG today and become part of this inspiring legacy of innovation, resilience, and empowerment. To donate and learn more, click here.
 

Learn how your Bank staff family member can donate now, click here


 

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