On World Day of Social Justice, We’re Addressing Education Inequality in Rural Communities

Jan 22, 2025

The positive effects of globalization can be seen in the technology we use, the products we buy, and the potential for employment opportunities available to all, but especially to those in developing countries.

But there are negative globalization effects as well, such as environmental impacts and damage, and income and education inequality.

You see, in order to take advantage of the new economic opportunities that come with globalization, communities have to be properly prepared in digital, mathematical and language literacy.

On February 20, Asante Africa Foundation is honoring this year’s World Day of Social Justice, with an eye toward addressing the inequality that prevents rural East Africans from improved living standards and community development.

“If you want peace and development, work for social justice” – Pope Paul VI

This social justice quote by Pope Paul VI is true for all areas of the world, but especially the vast continent of Africa. In fact, rural communities in East Africa deal with social injustice more than most, and often that is exemplified by a lack of access to education.

Whether it’s poverty, geographical location, or misguided cultural norms like childhood marriage, rural children are prevented from getting an education, in effect blocking any economic opportunities before they can begin.

Asante Africa continues to address the education gap by partnering with rural schools and communities in East Africa to provide underserved youth with the educational resources they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Those resources encompass:

Merit and need-based scholarships (opening the door to a high quality education)
In-person training in digital literacy through localized learning resources (empowering digital discovery)
Leadership, life and communication skill building
Entrepreneurship support
Girl empowerment

Youth empowerment is central to our mission because our workforce comes from the communities we are in service of.

What is the World Day of Social Justice?

In 2008 the International Labour Organization adopted a declaration on social justice for a more fair globalization. The declaration has been adopted by the governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations from 182 member states to strive toward achieving progress and social justice in the context of globalization. The declaration reflects a productive outlook by highlighting the importance of sustainable enterprises in creating greater employment and income opportunities for all.

Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice

This year’s theme for World Day of Social Justice is Empowering Inclusion. We’ve been committed to this theme by working to serve as the bridge that traverses financial insecurity. In this way, rural East African children can be set up for success and fully participate in (and contribute to) the global economy.

A great example of empowering inclusion is Naomi’s story in Kenya.

As a young teen, Naomi’s father attempted to marry her off, but she refused, believing that education was her path to a brighter future. As a result, Naomi found herself living with her mother, a single parent who struggled to provide for her daughter’s education.

She excelled in her exams but with her financial situation, Naomi was trying to figure out how to continue her education. That’s when the Asante Africa Foundation stepped in and covered her school fees and provided essential supplies, empowering Naomi to act on her dreams.

During the pandemic, in the face of physical school building closures, Asante Africa worked with local communities in Uganda to initiate learning groups to meet them where they were and empower youth through onsite learning.

It was under this community learning model that Nabanoba learned how to start a business. Her community lost jobs during the Ebola pandemic, and that was when Asante Africa was able to help by supporting youth like her with the business and life skills she needed to move from small-scale farming to her clothing business.

In true Pay it Forward fashion, Nabanoba wants to positively impact other girls’ lives based on the knowledge she acquired working with Asante Africa.

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Empowering youth to overcome substantial obstacles is critical not only for their lives and communities, but for the economic growth and societal safety the world over.

There are many ways to help this mission, and improving the educational outcomes for youth is a fundamental building block for us.

Won’t you help us commemorate this World Day of Social Justice by getting involved and donating to Asante Africa Foundation today? Help us address education inequality and make a change that has a tangible impact on the lives of East African youth.

Also, if you’d like to learn more about the International Labour Organization, you can find out how they are advancing social justice and promoting decent work.