Programmes
Education
Impact: Malawi (upcoming), South Africa, Zimbabwe
It is estimated that 244 million children and youth between the ages of 6 and 18 worldwide were out of school in 2021. Sadly, 33.8% of this number being children residing in Sub Saharan Africa. Additionally, girls account for the highest numbers of children out of school because of cultural oppression, traditional biases, early and forced child marriages, and being forced to stay home to take on family duties. Without education, young girls become mothers at a young age when forced into early childhood marriages, face the plight of HIV/AIDS, gender- based violence and shorter life expectancy. SAE Foundation’s education program launched in 2011, supports both boys and girls in elementary schools between grades ECD -Grade 8 to ensure every child gets an opportunity to be educated. The sponsorship covers school fees payment, donating educational aids to schools, stationery, uniforms, shoes, before and after school feeding program. Sponsoring a child through your generous donation of $40 a month or $350 a year could change the life of a child by giving them access to education that could create a brighter future for not only them but for their community as well.
Women + Youth
Food Security, Climate Change and Economic Empowerment
Women and youth in Africa have historically been the most marginalized within their communities even though they make up the largest informal workforce, are the most underpaid and severely under-represented in economic stability despite their disproportionate role as entrepreneurs and main drivers of economic activity. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic created the shadow pandemic which perpetuated gender-based violence and forced more women and youth into further poverty and instability.
Southern Africa Embrace Foundation works with and serves semi-rural and rural communities by empowering women and youth through educational and socio-economic self-substantiality programs with a focus on agriculture, climate change adaptation, digital inclusion (Mobile for development) and skills training allowing them to start their own income generating projects. This program aims to support closing the gender digital divide, support sustainable farming practices, improve food security, and help communities adapt to climate change. By empowering local farmers with knowledge and resources, we aim to build resilient agricultural communities capable of thriving in the face of climate challenges and global digitalization.
In 2018, SAE Foundation launched a social enterprise called NGUNI ACCESSORIES which is comprised of women and youth entrepreneurs and artisans who are traders across Africa. The products which include traditional beaded jewelry, household décor items and basketry products are original and handcrafted in Africa using locally sourced raw materials only. They are sold at fair trades markets locally, in urban cities and online to overseas customers. Profits from the sales of the items are invested back into the community to help with further skills transfer, revolve funds for needed project resources, education, health services and personal use. This program is vital for the effective implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) which promises to uplift over 1.3billion Africans from poverty, mostly women and youth.
Youth
Empowerment
Impact: SADC Region
The youth population in Africa holds immense potential as a catalyst for change and transformation. They have the energy, creativity, and drive to shape the continent’s future. By empowering and engaging youth in various sectors, Africa can unlock their innovative ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and social activism to address pressing challenges and drive sustainable development. By investing in digital literacy and skills development programs, young people can be equipped with the tools they need to leverage technology and become drivers of economic growth and social change. Innovation and entrepreneurship are essential drivers of economic growth, job creation, and societal development. SAE Foundation is investing in youth innovation, capacity building, start ups and entrepreneurship support to give an opportunity for young Africans to create jobs, spur economic growth, and tackle societal challenges through innovative business models. By supporting youth entrepreneurship through access to finance, training, and mentorship programs to unleash the entrepreneurial potential and encourage them to become agents of positive change. It is our hope that by supporting youth endeavours we pave the way for sustainable progress, nurture a generation of innovative thinkers and problem solvers who will shape the continent’s future.