New documentary showcases BYU-Pathway’s transformative work around the world

Emmy-winning journalist Jane Clayson Johnson shares the inspiring faith of students in Africa as they pursue higher education in the film “Pathway to Hope”

Pathway to Hope Forum — Students, faculty, and guests gather for a pre-screening of *Pathway to Hope* at a Brigham Young University forum.

Grace Ninsiima of Uganda needed to rebuild her life after escaping an abusive marriage with her four children. She met missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which led her to discover BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

Desperate to find a job, she said, “All I wanted was to get food on the table for my kids. I would do anything to learn.”

Jane Clayson Johnson addresses attendees at the pre-screening of her documentary. — Jane Clayson Johnson produced and hosted the new documentary, *Pathway to Hope*, which features the transformative experiences of students in Africa as they participate in BYU-Pathway.

Ninsiima’s story is part of a new documentary, Pathway to Hope , produced and hosted by Emmy-winning journalist and former ABC News and CBS News anchor and correspondent Jane Clayson Johnson. The film was shown on September 30, first to students, faculty, and guests during a campus forum in BYU’s Marriott Center and again that evening at a special event for BYU-Pathway honored guests.

The evening event featured remarks from Clayson Johnson; Brian K. Ashton, president of BYU-Pathway; Elder Clark G. Gilbert, of the Seventy and Commissioner of the Church Educational System; and several panelists, including Ninsiima. General Authorities of the Church and other distinguished guests were also in attendance.

The documentary follows the transformative experiences of students in Africa as they participate in BYU-Pathway. Currently, only nine percent of individuals in Africa reach university — but BYU-Pathway is helping to change that. Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ, BYU-Pathway serves more than 85,000 students and is designed to make higher education more accessible and affordable in 180 countries around the world.

Hundreds of honored guests wait to view the documentary. — More than 450 guests attended the evening pre-screening of *Pathway to Hope* on September 30, 2025, in BYU's Concert Hall.

Through BYU-Pathway students can earn U.S.-accredited bachelor’s degrees from BYU-Idaho and Ensign College in three years , and each degree includes three marketable certificates to help students get a better job. With tuition discounts of up to 75% off, students in many African countries can complete a degree for only $200–300 USD ( tuition rates are based on country).

But this is still a significant stretch for nearly half of BYU-Pathway’s student population that lives in Africa, students like Ninsiima who are working several jobs to make ends meet — to afford meals, housing, a laptop, internet access, and tuition costs.

At the screening, Jane Clayson Johnson shared stories of students she met, each navigating different life circumstances but united in a desire to learn and lead with faith. She discovered that education is so much more than a personal milestone for these students; it’s a catalyst for lifting them and their families out of poverty and providing greater hope for future generations.

Grace Ninsiima shares her story with the panel and audience. — Grace Ninsiima, a graduate featured in the documentary, shares her experience of escaping abuse, finding the Church and BYU-Pathway, and gaining renewed hope.

“Working on this documentary,” said Clayson Johnson, “I now know more than ever that God is aware of all His children.”

Because of BYU-Pathway, Ninsiima graduated and now serves as a BYU-Pathway area manager in Africa Central. With the significant increase in income, she pays the school fees for her four daughters and six others.

Many BYU-Pathway students in Africa are now earning certificates and degrees while working remotely for U.S.-based companies and others around the world.

“What [students in Africa] need is jobs — opportunities to prove that they can work. And they also need spiritual growth. They need educational opportunities,” Ninsiima shared. “They’re smart…. They’re hard-working. They just need an opportunity — someone to believe in them.”

Matt Downs shares his journal entry of the day he hired Grace Ninsiima. — Matt Downs shares his personal journal entry of the day he hired Grace Ninsiima, the beginning of what he calls "millions of jobs to be created."

The evening event featured a panel discussion with Ninsiima; Victor Ukorebi, BYU-Pathway senior area manager for the Africa region; and two U.S.-based employers who have hired BYU-Pathway students in Africa: Matt Downs, co-CEO and managing partner of Sandbox Industries, and Walker Wolfgramm, the director of operations for Africa for Lifewood Data Technology.

During the discussion, Downs, who has also enrolled as a student and volunteered his time as a BYU-Pathway service missionary and career mentor, read from his personal journal, recalling the day he hired students from Kenya, Ghana, Uganda (Ninsiima), Guatemala, and Argentina.

Elder Clark G. Gilbert shares closing remarks at the event. — Elder Clark G. Gilbert shared closing remarks: "The Lord is hastening this work, and it is happening right before our eyes."

“This is just the beginning — I can feel it — of millions of jobs to be created….” he said. “It’s a giant labor market. We’re just … trying to spread opportunity and make the world better…. BYU-Pathway cracked that open.”

Elder Clark G. Gilbert offered closing remarks, reminding attendees that the success of BYU-Pathway is not a coincidence — it is part of a divine hastening.

“The Lord is hastening this work, and it is happening right before our eyes. The Lord Jesus Christ will come again to the earth. And part of that preparation will be through the lives and impact of BYU-Pathway students all around the world.”

God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; Yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth.

Alma 26:37

Get involved
“How do you think the Lord would use you to prepare the world for the return of the Savior? Whatever you feel impressed to do tonight, we invite you to do something of substance.” — Elder Clark G. Gilbert

Even a small act — connecting a student with a job, offering a few hours of mentorship, or donating toward a laptop — can open the door to lasting opportunity for BYU-Pathway students around the world. Visit byupathway.edu/pathway-to-hope to learn how you can get involved today.

How to watch
The full documentary premiered Sunday, October 5, at 4:00 p.m. (MDT) on BYUtv. You can also stream it for free on the BYUtv app and at BYUtv.org.

About BYU-Pathway Worldwide
BYU-Pathway Worldwide was founded and is supported and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its mission is to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities. Serving more than 85,000 students in 180 countries annually, BYU-Pathway Worldwide provides access to spiritually-based degrees completely online at a significantly reduced cost.