Partner Update – Summer 2025

Notes from our Founder

I and two UGC board members recently visited South Africa, where we spent time with the leaders and staff of many of our non-profit partners. After these meetings, as well as our regular check-ins with other non-profit partners and with the full approval of the UGC board, we’re pleased to announce the most recent round of grant distributions:

New Hope SA (Cape Town): This small but mighty organization does incredible work in their community. We were particularly touched by their hospitality when they hosted us for a community dinner during our recent visit. Due to zoning laws, they had recently been forced to leave their residence, but the young men in their care were being housed temporarily in private homes. We have just received the wonderful news that they have secured new housing for their residents. This home has two separate living spaces, so it will also provide subsidized housing for recent graduates of their program. These recent graduates will live independently and contribute to the rent.

U-Turn (Cape Town): A recently renewed partner, U-Turn runs a comprehensive program in South Africa that truly impressed us during our recent tour. We witnessed firsthand the profound impact of their phased program that is designed to support people as they move from being without shelter to being productive citizens of their community.

Jabulani Rural Health Foundation (Zithulele): Jabulani, a long-standing partner of Ubuntu Global Connections, is facing a critical juncture. Their largest funder, who has supported them for a decade, recently discontinued funding with little warning, putting them in danger of imminent closure. Their invaluable programs are vital to many and unlikely to be replicated by other organizations. While on our trip, we saw first-hand their impact when we visited rural families which are benefitting from Jabulani’s Rural Ability Programme, in which Community Workers visit homes to educate and support families with adults or children with disabilities.

We recently learned that the emergency support that they have received in recent weeks, including some funds from Ubuntu Global Connections, will allow their programs to run at a reduced level through the end of December. They are actively seeking new funding partners and are developing a sustainable strategic plan, ensuring their critical services can continue. If you know anyone interested in helping to keep this organization serving its community, please reply to this email update.

Zithulele Independent School (Zithulele): During our visit, we met many of the Zithulele Independent School children as they were proudly working on their artwork for an auction to support Jabulani Rural Health Foundation as they look for long-term funding solutions. This made it incredibly clear that the NGOs in Zithulele operate with remarkable interdependence and mutual appreciation. The school is thriving with 110 students in total and with its pilot high school hybrid program of 9 students in grades 8 and 9. We enjoyed a staff luncheon overlooking the beautiful surroundings as they celebrated the end of their 2nd term of 2025.

Sihamba Sonke (Zithulele): We arrived at Zithulele village just in time to see a chess tournament in full swing. There were dozens of participants ranging from primary school students to adult men and women from Zithulele and the surrounding areas. The energy and concentration were high, and it is clear that Sihamba Sonke’s chess program, one of several programs they run, is extremely popular and is a great way for young people to stay connected to mentors in a fun and healthy way.

Axium Education (Zithulele): On our trip, we were able to meet with the administrative team and several staff members to hear updates about current initiatives and challenges. We witnessed the passion of teachers as they provided a focused learning environment in an after school program for small groups of middle school students.

Axium continues to increase its reach and impact in the Zithulele community and surrounding areas. Axium is sharing its expertise in ways that allow it to influence at scale as other organizations are beginning to implement similar programs.

2024 Grants

• Axium Education: $368,880
• Zithulele Independent School: $23,320
• Sihamba Sonke: $7,791
• Jabulani Rural Health Foundation: $4,018
  New Hope SA: $1,715

January – July 2025 Grants

Grand Total of all grants year-to-date 2025: $379,560

• From Foundations: $269,500
• From Individuals $110,060

By Partner

• Axium Education: $348,793
• Jabulani Rural Health Foundation: $8,599
• Sihamba Sonke: $7,963
• U-Turn: $5,900
• New Hope SA: $5,127
• Zithulele Independent School: $3,178

Thanks to all who support Ubuntu Global Connections for your incredible generosity and for helping us make these vital grants possible. Your support directly translates into tangible impact on the ground in South Africa, with 98% of all donations made through Ubuntu Global Connections sent directly to help our partners.