Top 10 Highlights for 2024
2024 was a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when youth are empowered to transform their communities. Through gaining essential 21st-century skills, launching innovative businesses, and boldly advocating for change, our students are not just participating in the future—they are shaping it.
Our progress is further fueled by the invaluable support of our partners. County and district officials, along with co-funders, collaborators and donors, are making bold investments in new ideas that are driving transformative change across East Africa.
Together, we are creating life-changing opportunities for youth and accelerating progress that will leave a lasting impact for generations to come.
Here are the highlights that made 2024 unforgettable!
1
Leadership Transition at
Asante Africa Foundation
Asante Africa Foundation is set to welcome Geoffrey Kasangaki as its new CEO in Q1 2025. Founding CEO Erna Grasz will transition to the role of Global Chair, marking a strategic milestone that reaffirms the organization’s commitment to local leadership and impactful governance across East Africa. This reinforces our dedication to empowering youth through strategic initiatives, resource optimization, and scalable community programs.
2
Youth-Led Initiative Tackles
Climate Challenges
Monica, an Asante Africa scholarship alumna, demonstrated her Pay-it-Forward spirit by founding her own NGO, the Naitawang Youth Empowerment Group. In 2024 alone, her NGO has positively impacted over 4,000 lives. Through the Young Green Pioneers project, her team has planted over 400 trees in rural East African communities, merging environmental education with community support. Monica’s team tackles immediate environmental concerns and empowers young people to become active guardians of their natural surroundings, demonstrating the potential of grassroots youth-led initiatives in addressing climate challenges.
3
Public-Private Partnership
Drives Job Creation
Asante Africa Foundation’s Youth Livelihoods Program is amplified by a strategic 3-year partnership with I&M Foundation and The King’s Trust International. The Enterprise Challenge Programme equips learners across remote Kenya with essential entrepreneurship skills through innovative digital learning solutions, mentorship, and potential seed funding. This initiative empowers youth to become architects of their own futures and drive community transformation.
4
Digital and STEM Skills
Accelerate Learning
Programs like the CS4ALL Bootcamp and DEEP (Digital Employability and Entrepreneurship Program) are equipping youth of all ages with essential digital skills for the tech-driven world. CS4ALL focuses on middle school children, offering hands-on experiences in coding and digital technologies to build early proficiency. DEEP is designed for older youth entering the workforce, combining technical training with mentorship and project-based learning. These opportunities prepare youth from all backgrounds to thrive in the digital economy.
5
Teen Girls Speak
out Nationally
In Uganda, we marked International Literacy Day by showcasing youth voices advocating for multilingual education and youth empowerment. Participants from our programs took center stage, showcasing their linguistic skills and sharing powerful narratives about education’s transformative power. From radio discussions on gender disparities to featuring in the Ministry of Gender’s national magazine, Asante Africa demonstrated its unwavering commitment to promoting literacy, mutual understanding, and socio-economic transformation through youth-led initiatives.
6
From Surviving to Thriving
From primary school to university, our students are graduating with the skills and confidence to achieve their goals and pursue their dreams. This year, 464 scholarship recipients advanced to the next level in their education, while over 24,000 young people gained valuable skills through our programs. With the support of mentors and staff, they receive tools that not only ensure academic success but also unlock career opportunities and transform creative ideas into innovative solutions.
7
Building Healthier Families
Through Nutrition Education
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Healthy Plate Model Campaign was implemented across 12 districts in Tanzania directly impacting over 4,700 children, while engaging over 200 teachers and stakeholders in comprehensive nutrition education. This initiative significantly contributes to healthier communities by equipping young people with critical knowledge about balanced nutrition.
8
Young Women Leading with Impact
At Asante Africa, young women like Asha and Florence are leading the way, transforming the world around them by breaking barriers and inspiring change.
From Rural Tanzania To Global Innovation: Asha’s Journey
Asha, a scholarship student from a remote Maasai community, leveraged her Asante Africa leadership training to secure a prestigious fellowship in Denmark studying pig farming and dairy technology. Returning to Tanzania with knowledge of advanced agricultural technologies for her final university year, Asha is committed to creating change in her rural community and inspiring future generations. More About Asha
Empowering Communities: Florence’s Path to the 2024 Wise Leader’s Crown
Florence Thomas John, recently promoted to Country Manager for Asante Africa Foundation Tanzania, was crowned the 2024 Wise Leader’s Contest Champion by the Hub of Wisdom Community. A passionate advocate for women’s rights and youth development, Florence leverages her education and leadership skills to drive digital transformation and climate action, inspiring young leaders across Tanzania. More About Florence’s Award
9
Parent Partnerships are
key to a child’s Success
Recognizing the vital role of parents in a child’s success, Asante Africa Foundation actively engaged more than 2,200 parents and teachers through programs that promote their children’s education while building skills to improve household income. Our programs empower families to prioritize education, resulting in higher school attendance and improved academic outcomes.
10
Government Partnership is
Accelerating our Reach
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Asante Africa Foundation and the Ugandan Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development have established a five-year initiative aimed at creating sustainable opportunities for youth. This innovative program focuses on expanding access to education, vocational training, and essential services.