2024 News & Highlights – Our Partner Organizations
Date: January 8th, 2025
In 2024, Ubuntu Global Connections awarded a total of $402,358 in grants to our partners. This was possible through the generosity of our donors. Read about our partners’ remarkable achievements here.
In 2024, Axium Education marked 15 years of work with schools in rural Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Axium now has a staff of 320 serving 7,400 students in 41 schools. Approximately 25% of Axium’s 2024 budget was covered by support from US donors like you. In August, Axium hosted its first conference, Partners in Practice: Improving Rural Education in the Eastern Cape. This conference brought together government representatives, educators, and non-profit organizations to share knowledge and discuss collaborative strategies for achieving greater outcomes in rural education.
Co-founder Craig Paxton received the Harvard Graduate School of Education Alumni Council Award for Excellence in Education in recognition of Craig’s “long-term service and impact in the field of education.”
In 2024, New Hope SA was able to move into a new, more appropriate home for their 10 previously homeless residents. Their new residence includes a wood shop for the residents and a much-needed office space for the staff. Almost half of their funding comes from individual donors like you! Your donations go to practical and immediate needs like food and health care as well as job training, adult education courses, and mental health support.
Jabulani Rural Health Foundation
This year, Jabulani grew their Masiphakameni Youth Development Programme, a life-changing opportunity for young women. The program combines life skills, employability training, and personal development to equip the participants to navigate the balance between traditional customs and modern opportunities, preparing them to thrive beyond the rural environment.
Zithulele Independent School (ZIS)
ZIS is starting the 2025 school year stronger than ever, with a brand-new classroom, no staff turnover, and the addition of a pilot high school program. Donations through Ubuntu Global Connections provided the extra staffing needed for the high school program.
Jackie Samuel, now heading into her third year as principal, has repeatedly expressed her appreciation for the school’s US supporters.
Ruan Cilliers, founder of Sihamba Sonke, traveled to the US for his second annual fundraising trip in April 2024. His recently published book, Moving with Purpose, connects important life lessons to the game of chess through an interactive workbook experience.
Sihamba Sonke continues to develop its thriving mentorship program in Zithulele Village to help young people break the cycle of poverty.
Our in-kind donations, including socks, underwear, and other clothing, transported by Sim Luthuli, a resident of Beth Uriel who came to the US to be camp counselor in 2024, were given to residents for Christmas gifts.