By Barnabas Esiet.
Masana wa Afrika, a recently established African nonprofit organization, has officially launched with a mission to assist and empower African community-based organizations that cater to the needs of children and their families.
Meaning “the warmth of the sun embraces Africa,” Masana wa Afrika aims to bring about lasting change throughout the continent. Initial funding partners Delta Philanthropies and The ELMA Foundation have set the stage for significant, long-term impact.
Recognizing that community leaders are best equipped to determine how funding can be most effectively utilized, Masana wa Afrika currently offers multi-year unrestricted grants and capacity-strengthening support to 115 organizations in 13 African countries, with plans for further expansion in the future.
These organizations provide a wide range of essential services that would otherwise be unavailable to children and families in their communities.
Services include early childhood development programs, child nutrition, support for children with disabilities, economic empowerment opportunities, psychosocial support, and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services, showcasing the diverse care and resources that community-based organizations offer to children.
Masana wa Afrika’s philanthropic approach focuses on building long-term relationships with local leaders and emphasizes the importance of local ownership, cultural sensitivity, and community-driven solutions in fostering development in Africa.
The organization’s team in South Africa and Uganda works closely with each grantee organization, assisting them in creating and implementing sustainable, long-term improvements for their communities.
Ruth Mapara, Director of Masana wa Afrika, stated, “Masana wa Afrika recognizes the inherent potential and resilience of African communities.
“Our foundation is founded on the belief that sustainable development can only be achieved when communities are empowered to lead and drive change from within. We are committed to providing the necessary support and resources to help African children and communities thrive.”
Bernadette Moffat, Masana wa Afrika Board Chair, added, “We believe that true progress originates from within communities themselves.
“By investing in local leadership and supporting locally-led initiatives, we can unlock the full potential of African communities and create lasting change in the lives of children and their families.”
“Masana wa Afrika is trust-based philanthropy in action,” said Tsitsi Masiyiwa, Masana wa Afrika Board Member and Delta Philanthropies Board Chair.
“The organizations supported by the foundation are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, making them expertly positioned to design and deliver solutions that work for them. The more support we provide them, the greater impact they can achieve.”
Masana wa Afrika bridges the funding gap between global philanthropy and African communities through strategic partnerships and collaborations with like-minded funders who are eager to channel resources to local organizations.
Ruth Mapara added, “Together, we can ensure that community-based organizations have adequate resources to enable children and youth in Africa to thrive.”
In South Africa, the initial organizations supported by Masana wa Afrika include:- Bizweni Centre – Supporting children living with disabilities
– Breede Valley Association for Persons with Disabilities – Support for children living with disabilities
– Butterfly Art Project – Art therapy for children who have experienced trauma
– Childsafe South Africa – Children safety training, improved road and school zone safety
– Dlalanathi – Play therapy and psychosocial support for children and families experiencing trauma
– Enlighten Education Trust – Literacy and numeracy skills for children
– Feed the Babies – Nutritional support to ECD centers
– Hantam Community Education Trust – Early childhood education and schools from Grade R-9 to children living on farms
– Hi Hopes – Early intervention support for hearing-impaired children and their families
– Isibani Sethemba – Child protection and health services
– Kliptown Youth Program (KYP) – After-school educational, psychosocial, and nutritional support
– Kuyasa Horizon Empowerment – Early childhood education
– Lesedi Educare Association – Integrated early childhood development
– Malamulele Onward – Therapy for children living with cerebral palsy
– MusicWorks – Early childhood development and music therapy
– Net Vir Pret – After-school, weekend, and homework clubs, skills training
– The Rachel Swart Fund – Provision of mobility and assistive devices for children living with disabilities
– Uhambo Foundation – Manufacturing, distribution, and training on the use of posture support devices for children living with disabilities
– Refugee Children’s Project – Supports the integration of refugee children and their families in communities in their country of asylum
– Siyakwazi – Specialized early childhood education programs for children living with disabilities and their caregivers
– Thanda – Early childhood education
– Western Cape Forum for Intellectual Disability – Training and mentorship for those living with intellectual disabilities
– Westlake United Church Trust – Early childhood education
– Woza Moya – Early childhood education and community health support
– Ububele – Therapeutic mental health care services and early childhood education
By supporting these organizations, Masana wa Afrika aims to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families across the continent.
*For more information about Masana wa Afrika, please visit www.masanawaafrika.org
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