Christopher Roy Garland: 6 Inspiring African Organizations Changing Lives and Building Futures

Africa faces numerous challenges, from healthcare disparities to environmental conservation. I recently wrote about six South African charities that I feel are making significant strides toward sustainable solutions.

In my article “Chris Roy Garland: South African Charities That Deserve Our Support,” I said that, “By supporting their efforts through donations or volunteering, we can contribute to building a more just and equitable society for all.” As someone who lives in Botswana and who sees many of these charities in action, I truly believe that.

Here are six other African charities that I feel deserve our support:

1. African Leadership Academy (ALA)

The African Leadership Academy, located in Johannesburg, South Africa, is dedicated to identifying and nurturing the next generation of African leaders. Established in 2004, ALA offers a two-year pre-university program emphasizing leadership, entrepreneurship, and African studies. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to address the continent's challenges.

ALA's impact is evident through its diverse student body — nearly 1,600 students and counting, representing 46 African countries. It’s also known for its rigorous selection process. The academy's graduates have enrolled in over 300 universities worldwide, securing significant scholarships in the process. But most (some 78%) return to Africa to drive change in various sectors.

The academy also offers programs like the Anzisha Prize, celebrating young African entrepreneurs, and the Global Scholars Program, a summer camp for teens worldwide. These initiatives extend ALA's reach beyond its student body, fostering a broader network of young leaders committed to Africa's development.

Supporting ALA means investing in Africa's future leaders who are poised to make significant contributions across the continent.

2. Amref Health Africa

Amref Health Africa, founded in 1957, is the largest health development organization based in Africa. It focuses on strengthening health systems and improving access to quality medical services in underserved communities.

“Amref Health Africa has highlighted the fact that despite huge investments by donors in health products and delivery of health services, a large percentage of Africans still have limited access to sufficient and quality health care,” it says.

Amref operates in over 35 countries, addressing health challenges through innovative solutions and community engagement. The organization's programs encompass a wide range of health areas, including maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and water and sanitation. Amref emphasizes training local health workers, ensuring that communities have sustainable access to healthcare services. Their approach is community-led and people-centered, addressing social determinants of health to create lasting change.

Amref's leadership comprises experienced professionals dedicated to health development in Africa. For instance, Misrak Makonnen, the Country Director for Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, has over 20 years of experience in public health and development, leading diverse health programs with significant impact. Makonnen now leads a team of 350 working to make life better in her country.

3. Akilah Institute

The Akilah Institute, now part of Davis College, was established in 2010 in Rwanda to provide market-relevant education to young women. The institute focuses on sectors like technology, business, and entrepreneurship, aiming to bridge the gender gap in these fields.

Akilah's programs are designed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure that graduates possess skills in demand in the job market. This approach has resulted in high employment rates for alumnae, with many securing positions in reputable organizations or starting their own ventures.

The institute combines “competency-based academic programs with a customized, data-driven learning model to actualize practical experience and equip students with the tools needed to thrive in the fastest growing sectors of the economy,” it says.

The institute also emphasizes leadership development, encouraging students to become change-makers in their communities. Through mentorship and practical training, Akilah equips young women with the confidence and competence to lead and innovate.

4. Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Africa Program

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has been active in Africa for decades, focusing on protecting biodiversity and endangered species. WCS implements programs across the continent, addressing threats like poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.

In regions like the Maasai Mara in Kenya, WCS employs technology to combat poaching, using tools like GPS tracking and surveillance systems to monitor wildlife and deter illegal activities.

WCS also engages local communities in conservation efforts, recognizing that sustainable solutions require collaboration with those who live alongside wildlife. By providing education and alternative livelihoods, WCS helps communities become stewards of their natural resources.

Supporting WCS's Africa Program contributes to preserving the continent's rich biodiversity and ensuring that future generations can benefit from its natural heritage.

5. WaterAid Africa

As of 2022, four out of five people in rural Africa lacked access to clean water, according to UNICEF.

That underscores the importance of initiatives like WaterAid, an international organization dedicated to improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. In Africa, WaterAid operates in several countries, working to provide sustainable water solutions to underserved communities.

The organization's programs include constructing wells and boreholes, promoting hygiene education, and advocating for policies that prioritize water and sanitation. WaterAid emphasizes community involvement, ensuring that solutions are locally appropriate and maintained.

Access to clean water and sanitation has profound impacts on health, education, and economic development.

6. Ubuntu Pathways

Ubuntu Pathways, founded in 1999 in South Africa, provides comprehensive support to vulnerable children and families. Their model includes education, healthcare, and household stability programs, aiming to break the cycle of poverty.

The organization operates a school that offers quality education from early childhood through high school, ensuring that students receive the support needed to succeed. Ubuntu's health programs provide primary care and support for chronic conditions, addressing barriers to well-being.

By taking a holistic approach, Ubuntu Pathways addresses the interconnected challenges that families face, creating pathways out of poverty.

These six organizations exemplify effective, locally-driven solutions to Africa's challenges. Supporting them amplifies their impact and contributes to sustainable development across the continent.