2023 Top 10 Extraordinary Moments
While this year has presented numerous exciting achievements, we are sharing with you our most extraordinary moments from 2023. As a global organization with deeply local roots we witnessed the profound impact of empowered youth driving their own positive change within their communities. Our youth shone bright, whether it was leading impactful climate action initiatives to address the climate crisis or using their acquired entrepreneurship skills to boost their local economy and provide for themselves. We also witnessed more girls accessing education, bridging the gender gap, and developing core life skills.
As a foundational component in supporting East African Youth, Asante Africa grew strategic partnerships with county and district officials, collaborative allies, and bold funders who ensured that hundreds of vulnerable youth have the skills, tools, and networks needed to confidently address life’s challenges, thrive in the global economy and catalyze change.
Amidst numerous accomplishments, here is an overview of our key highlights.
Global Recognition for Our Youth
Asante Africa Foundation’s youth gained global recognition, showcasing their exceptional talents and contributions internationally. Their accomplishments stand as a testament to the foundation’s commitment to empowering and nurturing the potential of young minds.
Recognition by King Charles III During the Royal Tour in Kenya
As part of a 4-day visit to Kenya, His Majesty King Charles III met with students from rural Kenya. The purpose of the visit was to meet our young innovators, who participated in the Prince’s Trust International Enterprise Challenge Competition. READ MORE
Zamana Proudly Holds the 2023 Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award
Zamana, a Tanzanian scholar and Asante Africa Foundation alumna, received the award, which the Prince’s Trust International presented. Recognized for her ‘Niache Nisome’ (Allow Me to Study) campaign, Zamana’s dedication to promoting education for girls in her community earned her this prestigious honor. WATCH THE VIDEO
Asante Africa Youth Selected to Join World Bank’s Youth Advisory Group
Emmanuel Katambala (Tanzania), Wevyn Muganda (Kenya), and Prudence Ahimbisibwe (Uganda) were selected to join the 2023-24 World Bank Solutions for Youth Employment (S4YE) — Youth Advisory Group (YAG). As a member of YAG, our youth will advise the World Bank on their global employment projects and amplify the concerns/ideas of young people. READ MORE
5200 Students Empowered with Digital Learning Skills
Asante Africa integrated digital learning was brought to 5,200 young people across 89 schools in 3 countries this year. Many of these students had no prior experience with digital devices or digital learning content. Most were accessing a computer for the very first time. They are now preparing to be a part of the future digital economy. LEARN MORE
Boys are Breaking Cultural Stereotypes
Engaging Boys as Allies is important in breaking stereotypes regarding girls and women. Our collective efforts reflect our commitment to achieving an equal society where boys and girls have the opportunity to lead. We have experienced significant change in the boys of Samburu County (Loikas Primary School) who are actively addressing “period stigma” and are no longer embarrassed or shy about understanding body changes. LEARN MORE
Alumni Launch Green and Digital Businesses
Youth graduating from Asante Africa partner schools initiated innovative green and digital businesses. These efforts have provided a stable income for our youth, enabling them to break the cycles of poverty and boosting the local economy.
Tree Seedlings Business Recieves Royal Recognition
Students of Mwangaza Muslim Secondary School initiated a tree seedling business at their school. Students from rural Turkana showcased their green business to His Majesty King Charles III during his visit to Kenya. READ MORE SUCCESS STORIES
Empowering Others Through Digital Learning
Emmanuel has started a Digital Employment and Enterprise Program (DEEP). He is actively training others to be a part of the digital economy. His program reached more than 250 youths with digital skills.
Innovative Minds Turn Trash Into Cash
Students of Nyankwanzi High School have discovered an opportunity in recycling. Motivated to go beyond cultivating a small garden business, they envisioned a venture that not only imparts practical skills but also yields tangible benefits for the entire team while simultaneously protecting the environment.
Extending our Reach Across Uganda
We have extended our reach across Uganda through the National Government’s adoption of Asante Africa’s skills curriculum. The Uganda government and the Asante Africa Foundation have signed a 9-year memorandum approving our curriculum use across Ugandan schools. Our adolescent and teen curriculum offers inclusive education through the use of play, multi-sensory learning, hands-on projects and competency-based skills. LEARN ABOUT OUR UGANDA TEAM
341 Teens Transitioned to High School
Through our “Get Started” Scholarships, we supported adolescents with essential school supplies. Now, 341 young learners are off to high school and are on their way to achieving their dreams! LEARN ABOUT OUR SCHOLARSHIPS
Youth Launch Their Own Leadership and Entrepreneurship Initiatives
Fueled by a desire for positive change and economic empowerment, young leaders across East Africa are launching leadership and entrepreneurship initiatives that address social and economic challenges in the region. Their efforts not only reflect a commitment to community development but also showcase the resilience and creativity inherent in East Africa’s youth population.
Local Youth NGOs Pay-it-Forward
Monica (Kenya alumni) embodies the principle of pay-it-forward. Through the Youth Livelihood Program, Monica gained a wealth of entrepreneurial, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. She created and formally registered the Naitawang Youth Empowerment Organization, fostering gender equality through youth knowledge sharing and girl education. READ MORE
Improving Community Farming Techniques
After graduating from the Asante Africa Foundation Youth Livelihood Program, Nicholas (Kenya alumni) formed the Naisul youth group, which was able to cultivate 52 hectares of land in Samburu, ready to be harvested with maize, beans, and vegetables. The youth group also practices poultry farming and animal cross-breeding to earn more capital and improve the local breed. READ THE STORY
Community Learning Groups Outside of School
Amid the world’s longest school lockdown in Uganda (22 months), we responded by introducing Community Learning Groups, engaging local staff, alumni, and volunteers to teach essential skills like entrepreneurship, leadership, and health outside traditional schools, helping out-of-school youth in transitioning to the classroom or adult life. In Uganda -thus far 2 out of 7 community learning groups are formally registered as Youth Business, with others to follow. READ THE REPORT
Fostering Active Parental Involvement
Through targeted initiatives, Asante Africa encourages active parental engagement, equipping families to support and prioritize their children’s education while simultaneously developing skills to enhance their household income. This holistic approach strengthens the socioeconomic fabric, ultimately contributing to increased school attendance and a brighter future for children in the communities served by the foundation. READ MORE
UNESCO Acknowledges Our Contribution to Digital Learning
On World Literacy Day, UNESCO recognized Asante Africa’s commitment to advancing literacy through innovative educational initiatives. This recognition underscores Asante Africa’s significant role in leveraging digital tools to enhance learning opportunities on a global scale. As a key player in promoting literacy, Asante Africa’s efforts align with UNESCO’s mission to create inclusive and accessible education for all. WATCH THE VIDEO
Taking the Stage for Global Advocacy
Asante Africa Foundation extends its impact beyond local communities, shaping and influencing global policies and programs using evidence from our programs. Through strategic initiatives, Asante Africa amplifies the voice of rural youth, contributing to the dialogue on equitable access to education and sustainable development worldwide.
Leadership Takes the Stage at the RewirED Summit
Asante Africa Foundation’s CEO, Erna Grasz, was invited to moderate a panel titled – African Union Year of Education, 2024: Catalyzing Skills Potential for a Green Economy in Africa. Wevyn Muganda, Deputy CEO, Strategic Partnerships & Development, spoke on a panel focused on the intersection of education and climate change, hosted by UNICEF and the Government of Canada.
Asante Africa Joins the Conversation at COP28
This year at COP28, there were three attendees from the Asante Africa Foundation – Erna Grasz (Chief Executive Officer), Wevyn Muganda (Deputy CEO, Strategic Partnerships & Development), and Geoffrey Kasangaki (Deputy CEO, Strategic Program Development & Impact). This opportunity was significant in strengthening relationships with other educational partners and contributing to the global discussion on the nexus between education and climate. READ MORE
We could not achieve this alone. Like an intricate yet brilliantly functional beehive, every individual holds a distinct role, whether as funders, implementing partners, volunteers, global and ground staff, or simply as individuals. Your collaborative efforts are sincerely appreciated as we collectively walk this educational journey alongside East Africa’s youth.
Asante Sana (thank you) for Educating Children and Transforming Worlds.