Southern Africa may be blessed with a wealth of natural and scenic treasures, but it’s severely lacking in wealth of a conventional kind. Less than one in four high school graduates on the African continent will ever find a paying job, giving them little motivation to stay in school.
The African Situation
Education, while enshrined as a constitutional right in most African countries is nothing short of impossible for some. On paper, children are provided with a basic education almost free of charge. In reality they can’t afford the transport to get to school, to buy stationery or uniforms, or even enough food to keep their young minds focused on their studies.
For many, attending school is an insurmountable challenge, that just isn’t worth the effort.
The CAMFED Solution
Zimbabwean, Angie Murimirwa was no different. After passing her final primary school year with the best marks in her district, she faced the painful reality that this was the end of the road for her, education wise. With no money to continue learning, her best hope was that she’d end up in an arranged marriage with a kind man.
At this point, the CAMFED Association entered her life and turned things around for her, and thousands of others. Today, Angie is the executive director of CAMFED Africa. To hear her inspiring ideas: Social interest TED Talk
This organization provides financial and other support to promising young African girls by sponsoring their education, uniforms, food, and stationery. Upon graduation, members of the organization help their young proteges by teaching them how to open and run their own businesses and by providing them with the financial support to get started.
Social Interest at Work
CAMFED charges no interest on these loans. In return, the non-profit earns their interest in the form of social interest.
Social interest means that these young girls in turn serve as mentors for other young women in dire circumstances. They assist their young charges with motivation and support to continue learning, but they also help them with the nitty gritty involved in learning by providing them with the essentials that they need to continue their studies – things like bus fare, basic hygiene necessities, and advice on healthy eating.
In return, their mentees must do the same when they graduate. In this way, CAMFED’s initial investment impacts thousands of girls around the continent. Girls no longer need to seek security in the arms of an unwanted husband, they’re less likely to develop AIDS, and they are growing their community by sharing skills and knowledge.
Every girl who graduates courtesy of CAMFED’s initiatives uses the knowledge gained during their studies to improve their communities by teaching others the practical aspects of what they’ve learned.
For example, nursing students are educating women in remote communities on how to help deliver a baby if an expectant mother can’t make it to hospital in time. Agricultural students are sharing the latest developments in productive farming techniques, and entrepreneurs are popping up all over the place.
Experience Africa Rising
Thanks to this sense of community and fellowship, the future looks a little brighter for young African women right now. It’s this kind of spirit and interest in the welfare of others that makes Africans famous worldwide for their unfailing hospitality.
Get in touch if you’d like to immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere of togetherness on a custom southern African safari sometime in the near future.
