Amandla: Education for the children of Xitlhelani

"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world" - Nelson Mandela

Amandla Foundation (www.fundacionamandla.org) offers scholarships to children in Xitlhelani village in Limpopo, South Africa. Limpopo province exhibits the highest poverty rates in the country and is where our founder lived for two years. Amandla supports each child from early years (Reception/Foundation) until they complete their education (Year 13/ A Levels) in the best bilingual schools in the area. The organisation provides books, materials, uniforms, transport and school fees to ensure that each kid stays in school to progress in their learning.

Our support is provided in the field through the work of volunteers who live there. We also have a team of collaborators responsible for planning, designing and supporting the action in the field. We all work voluntarily, seeking to collaborate in providing more opportunities to the children and their families in the area. Our dream began with the delivery of four scholarships in 2014. To date, 26 girls and boys have been sponsored by people from different parts of the world.

“It takes a village to raise a child” – African proverb

We believe in the importance of formal education promoted by schools and informal education provided by families and the community. We work collaboratively with the educational establishments, the families of the children we sponsor and the village leadership, respecting the area's context and organisational dynamics. We also value and promote the active bond between the sponsors and the children through active and sustained communication over time.

Unfortunately, we have lost several sponsors because of Covid-19 and the current cost of living crisis, putting the children's education at risk. We are now struggling to cover the costs for them to finish their academic year and secure their enrollment for 2024. The families and the children need our support. No matter how much you can donate, your help will be highly appreciated.

Thank you very much in advance!