African Education Program (AEP)

We unlock the potential of African youth and adults through long-term investments in inclusive education, health, and community development initiatives.

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

At the African Education Program, we believe that investing in women is an investment in stronger families, thriving businesses, and more resilient communities.

We are proud to celebrate six women from the 12th Cohort of the Women’s Business Training at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, the Amos Youth Centre, who recently received small business grants to help grow or launch their businesses.

This opportunity was made possible through a partnership with Rubis Energy Zambia. These grants represent more than financial assistance. They provide women with the tools, confidence, and encouragement to turn their ideas into sustainable sources of income that can support their children and uplift their households. From tailoring and food sales to small market stands, these entrepreneurs are already applying the skills they gained through the program, including budgeting, bookkeeping, customer service, and business management.

#WomenEntrepreneurs #EconomicEmpowerment #AmosYouthCentre #Entrepreneurship #CommunityImpact

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

At the African Education Program, we are proud to recognize the life-changing impact of the Reproductive Health Access Initiative (RHAI) at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, Zambia, made possible through the support of @Hologic.

For many girls and young women in Zambia, access to reproductive health education, menstrual products, and accurate health information can determine whether they stay in school, protect their health, and pursue their future with confidence. The Amos Youth Centre (AYC) is helping expand access to menstrual health education, reproductive health services, HIV/AIDS awareness, and safe spaces where girls can ask questions openly and without shame. These efforts are directly contributing to stronger school attendance, increased confidence, and healthier outcomes for young women across the community.

We believe that investing in the health of girls is an investment in the future of families, communities, and Zambia itself. We are deeply grateful to Hologic for standing alongside local leaders and helping ensure that girls have the support they need to thrive.

Catch the latest AYC Letters blog to learn more: https://t.co/eHntA5Bkfp

#MenstrualHealthAwareness #GirlsEducation #WomenEmpowerment #HealthEquity #Zambia

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

At our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, sport is about far more than competition. It is a powerful tool for education, mentorship, health awareness, and community development.

Recently, 120 boys and girls came together with the local team at the Amos Youth Centre for a Sports Day filled with football, netball, teamwork, and learning. But beyond the games, the day created a safe space for important conversations around HIV/AIDS awareness, healthy choices, confidence, and peer support.

Across Africa, sport continues to play a critical role in youth development. It helps young people build discipline, leadership, resilience, communication skills, and a sense of belonging. For many youth, especially those growing up in underserved communities, sports programs also provide safe environments where they can access mentorship, life skills education, and trusted adults who encourage them to dream bigger for their futures.

#SportsForDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #HIVAwareness #CommunityThroughSports

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we are reminded that access to menstrual health products is not just about hygiene. It is about dignity, confidence, and a girl’s right to stay in school and reach her full potential.

At our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, locally named the Amos Youth Centre (AYC), girls like Carol are proof of what becomes possible when period poverty is addressed. After receiving a menstrual cup and reusable pads through AYC, Carol has been able to continue her education without the interruptions and anxiety she once faced during her menstrual cycle.

For too many girls across Zambia and Sub-Saharan Africa, a lack of menstrual health support still leads to missed classes, lower academic performance, and lost opportunities. That is why AYC continues to invest in menstrual health education, access to reusable products, and safe spaces where girls can learn, grow, and thrive with confidence.

When we support girls’ menstrual health, we are supporting their education, leadership, and future.

#MenstrualHygieneDay #EndPeriodPoverty #GirlsEducation

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

Florence is turning determination into opportunity.

As a graduate of the 12th Cohort of the Women’s Business Training at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, Florence now operates a small food stand that helps provide for her family while serving her community.

Raising three children enrolled in the Amos Youth Centre holistic program model, Florence understands that empowering women is about far more than income. It is about creating stability at home, building confidence, and opening doors for the next generation. Her children often spend time helping at the stand after school, witnessing firsthand the power of persistence and entrepreneurship.

Participants of the Women’s Business Training are gaining the tools, knowledge, and confidence to grow sustainable livelihoods, with graduates reporting an average 80% increase in profits. When women have access to opportunity, families become stronger and communities become more resilient.

#WomenEmpowerment #CommunityImpact #EconomicOpportunity

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

Not every young person’s path leads to college or university, and that is why vocational skills training is so important in creating opportunities for long-term independence and dignity.

At our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, locally named the Amos Youth Centre (AYC), Threads of Hope is helping turn practical skills into sustainable livelihoods. Located in Shikoswe Market and led by AYC alumna and skilled tailor Alice, the shop is more than a tailoring business. It is a powerful example of how hands-on vocational training can equip women and youth with the tools to earn an income, support their families, and build confidence in their futures.

Through Threads of Hope, high-quality handmade products such as dresses, uniforms, medical scrubs, reusable menstrual pads, curtains, tote bags, pillows, and more are created with care and creativity while also contributing to the long-term sustainability of AYC’s programs.

When communities invest in vocational skills like tailoring, they create pathways for young people who may not have access to higher education but still deserve the opportunity to thrive. Skills-based training empowers individuals to become entrepreneurs, creators, employers, and leaders within their own communities.

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

Africa Freedom Day is celebrated today in Zambia and we asked Lindunda Kakaluka, Monitoring & Evaluation Manager at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, to share what this day means to him.

“African Freedom Day, to me, is a reminder that Africa is more than its struggles, it is resilience, wisdom, beauty, and hope. It reminds me to be proud of my identity, my culture, my language, and the unity we share as Africans.

I believe our traditions and history must always be protected and respected because they carry the true identity of who we are. African Freedom Day is also a time to honor our forefathers who fought for our freedom and to make sure their sacrifices never go in vain.

Protect Africa. Celebrate Africa. Be proud to be African.”

At the African Education Program, we believe that investing in education, leadership, and opportunity is part of continuing the legacy of those who fought for Africa’s freedom. Through locally-led learning, community empowerment, and youth development, we are committed to helping young people shape the future of the continent with pride, purpose, and possibility.

#AfricaFreedomDay #WhereYouthRiseCommunitiesThrive

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

As Q1 2026 came to a close, the team at the Amos Youth Centre (AYC), our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, came together for a First Quarter Review focused on reflection, shared learning, and growth.

Across every department, staff shared not only the milestones achieved and the lives impacted, but also the lessons learned and the challenges faced along the way. Through Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL), these moments become opportunities for collaboration, helping every team member better understand how each program contributes to AYC’s holistic model.

These review sessions are about more than reporting numbers. They create space for departments to learn from one another, strengthen accountability, and work together toward stronger outcomes for the children, youth, and families served. When staff across academics, special education, health, nutrition, urban farming, entrepreneurship, and youth leadership are aligned, the impact reaches even further.

This is what a mission-driven, community-led team looks like: people who are not only committed to their individual roles, but who come together to sharpen one another, grow together, and continuously improve the support offered to every young person who walks through AYC’s doors.

#TeamAYC #MonitoringAndEvaluation #SharedLearning #CommunityLed #WhereYouthRiseCommunitiesThrive

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

Excited to see the harvest at the Urban Farming & Permaculture Learning Space at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, locally known as the Amos Youth Centre.

The local team harvested 19 kg of Mustard and Chinese Cabbage -- organic, fresh, homegrown vegetables that are heading straight to the kitchen to supplement over 350 daily meals to students in the #Nutrition Program.

This "Space" is more than a garden. It is an outdoor classroom where children and youth learn how to grow vegetables using climate-smart techniques suitable for backyard gardens and small spaces.

Kia Middle East & Africa @Kia__MEA
The Waste Lab

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we are reminded that healing and learning go hand in hand.

At the Amos Youth Centre (AYC), our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, mental health support is woven into everything they do because no child, parent, or caregiver can thrive when they are carrying emotional burdens alone.

In a recent AYC Letters blog, we shared the journey of parents in the Read for Rose Special Education Program who found a safe space to process the challenges of raising a child with disabilities. Through counseling, peer support, and mental health workshops, parents discovered they were not alone and began building the resilience needed to support their children with renewed hope.

The same commitment extends to the students AYC serves. From one-on-one counseling and mentorship to leadership clubs and safe spaces where young people can share their struggles, AYC helps students develop the confidence, coping skills, and emotional support they need to succeed in school and in life.

When we invest in mental health, we strengthen families, unlock potential, and create healthier communities.

This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, thank you for helping us ensure that children, youth, and families in Zambia have access to the care and support they deserve.

Read the blog here: https://t.co/S4ECysTowY

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

Success in higher education is about more than earning a diploma.

For young people like Kelly, it is about building confidence, strengthening life skills, and discovering what is possible when they are surrounded by people who believe in their potential.

Through the College Scholarship Fund at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, locally named the Amos Youth Centre (AYC), Kelly is pursuing a diploma in Information and Communication Technology.

As Kelly shares in his story, the support he has received at AYC has helped him grow not only academically, but personally. Through mentorship, leadership opportunities, and a strong sense of community, Kelly has developed the confidence and communication skills needed to navigate both college and life.

This is the power of investing in young people beyond academics.

When students are equipped with educational opportunities and holistic support, they gain the tools to succeed in higher education and become leaders who will help shape the future of their communities.

Kelly’s journey is a powerful reminder that education is not just about what young people learn—it is about who they become.

Thank you to everyone who supports the African Education Program and makes it possible for students like Kelly to pursue their dreams and unlock their full potential.

To read more about Kelly's store, check out AYC's Letters blog here: https://t.co/9eS0ixGFut

#WhereYouthRiseCommunitiesThrive #CollegeScholarshipFund #YouthLeadership #EducationChangesLives

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

Did you know that there is an International Day of Families? With our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, Zambia, locally known as the Amos Youth Centre, and our Local Impact Partner, The Moyo Center in Kigali, Rwanda, we are reminded that strong families are the foundation of strong communities.

A child’s future is shaped not only by what happens in the classroom, but by the stability and support they receive at home. When families face poverty, limited access to healthcare, inadequate childcare, or barriers to education, children are more likely to struggle academically, emotionally, and physically.

That is why our work goes beyond supporting children alone.

Through our holistic, community-led model, we invest in entire families by providing:

📍 Quality education and academic support for children and youth.
📍 Entrepreneurship training for women and mothers.
📍 Special education services for children with disabilities and support for their families.
📍 Reproductive health education and services.
📍 Nutrition programming and daily meals.
📍 Urban farming and climate-smart livelihood training.

When families are strengthened, children are better nourished, stay in school longer, and are more likely to reach their full potential. Because when families thrive, children flourish. And when children flourish, communities prosper.

#InternationalDayOfFamilies #FamilyWellbeing #ChildDevelopment #EducationForAll #WomenEmpowerment #SpecialEducation #Zambia #Rwanda #AfricanEducationProgram #WhereYouthRiseCommunitiesThrive

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

What if one children’s book could inspire a young reader and help transform lives across #Zambia?

Introducing Jiya and the Wisdom of Elephants, a beautifully illustrated story by author Dorothy Potash about a young elephant raised by her mother, grandmother, and community. Through their love and guidance, Jiya grows into a compassionate leader.

Why order your copy?

🐘 It shares an important lesson. The story celebrates the wisdom passed from one generation to the next and reminds children that they do not grow alone.

📚 It encourages meaningful conversations. This is a book families can read together while exploring themes of leadership, kindness, and community.

🎁 It makes a thoughtful gift. Perfect for children, grandchildren, teachers, mothers, grandmothers, and anyone who treasures stories with heart and purpose.

🌍 It supports a powerful mission. Every purchase helps the African Education Program expand access to education, health, and leadership opportunities for children and youth in Zambia and Rwanda.

✨ Your impact is doubled. All book sales and donations are currently matched up to $40,000.

When you purchase Jiya and the Wisdom of Elephants, you are giving more than a book, you are helping young people gain the tools they need to rise and lead in their communities.

Order your copy today! Visit: https://t.co/v7PCSsjBkv

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

Over the past 20 years, the number of students enrolled in higher education worldwide has more than doubled. Yet according to @UNESCO, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to have the lowest university enrollment rate of any region in the world.

Today, only about 9% of college-age youth in Sub-Saharan Africa are enrolled in higher education. In #Zambia, that rate drops to 7%.

These statistics highlights both the challenge and the opportunity.

For young people in Zambia, earning a university degree can change the trajectory of an entire family. It can mean access to stable employment, increased income, and the chance to become a role model for younger siblings and future generations.

Through the African Education Program’s College Scholarship Fund, more than 70 students are currently pursuing college and university studies across Zambia. Many are the first in their families to reach higher education.

But the impact does not stop with a diploma.

Our scholarship recipients are required to complete a gap year of service through the College Prep Program at the Amos Youth Centre, our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, Zambia. Many return as mentors, tutors, and staff members, investing their education back into the community that helped make it possible.

When one student graduates, the ripple effects are profound.

A family gains hope.
A community gains a leader.
A nation gains a changemaker.

In a region where access to higher education remains out of reach for most young people, every scholarship represents an investment in Africa’s future. Want to learn more about how you can help? Visit: https://t.co/uLsSVDSQU0

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

Before leaving #Zambia, AEP Board Member Marie-Odile Savarit spent time in the outdoor classroom with Grade 5 and 6 students at the Amos Youth Centre, our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, Zambia, leading an engaging #English spelling lesson.

In Zambia, English is the official language of instruction and a compulsory subject in every school. Strong English skills are essential for academic success, opening the door to higher education, employment opportunities, and the confidence to communicate effectively in an increasingly interconnected world.

With more than 40 years of experience as an educator, Marie-Odile brings both expertise and encouragement to every lesson she teaches. Her ability to make learning interactive and meaningful helps students strengthen critical literacy skills while building the confidence to believe in their own potential.

Thank you, Marie-Odile, for sharing your time, wisdom, and passion with the next generation of changemakers in Zambia.

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

At the African Education Program (AEP), we believe that lasting change begins at home.

That is the idea behind Mizhu, which means "Roots" and represents the women who hold families and communities together at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, locally named the Amos Youth Centre (AYC).

When women have access to the tools they need to succeed, the impact extends far beyond one individual. Through Mizhu, women participate in business training, sign language classes, and mental health support that strengthen their ability to provide for their families, advocate for their children, and build brighter futures.

We see it every day: when a woman gains confidence, skills, and support, her entire household benefits. Children are more likely to stay in school, families become more financially secure, and communities grow stronger.

By investing in women, we are nurturing the roots of lasting transformation.

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

Don't forget! You can visit our Gifts of Giving page to honor your mother or loved one for #MothersDay tomorrow. ❤️ Send an e-card or gift AEP merchandise that celebrates the power of inclusive education, health, and community development. Visit https://t.co/YcJceiH575

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

With #MothersDay this weekend, Jiya and the Wisdom of Elephants also makes a meaningful gift for a mother, grandmother, mentor, teacher, or loved one who has helped shape your journey. Rooted in themes of wisdom shared across generations, family, and community care, this story is a beautiful way to honor the people who guide and inspire us.

🐘 Go to our website to pre-order your copy today! https://t.co/LQVyqExsUS

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

We are proud to celebrate the graduation of the 12th Cohort of the Women’s Business Training at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, the Amos Youth Centre (AYC), bringing the total number of graduates to 323 women entrepreneurs.

This graduation was made even more meaningful as AEP Board Member, Marie-Odile Savarit, joined the celebration in person, standing alongside the women as they received their certificates and stepped into a new chapter of leadership and opportunity.

What made this cohort especially powerful is that 9 of the 26 graduates are mothers from the Read for Rose Special Education Program. Their participation reflects something we see every day at AYC: when women are empowered, entire families and communities rise with them. By investing in mothers and caregivers, we are strengthening household stability, expanding opportunities for children, and creating pathways toward long-term community-led change.

Women who complete this program record an incredible 80% increase in profits, transforming not only their businesses, but also the futures of those who depend on them.

To the women of Cohort 12: congratulations. Your resilience, determination, and leadership inspire us all, and we cannot wait to see the businesses you build, the lives you impact, and the legacy you create. And to our implementing partner, Street Business School, we thank you for your continued support!

[African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram]

Today, we are celebrating a milestone that reaches far beyond one diploma.

John has officially graduated from the Copperbelt University with a Bachelor of Science in Plant and Environmental Sciences, becoming the first university graduate in his family. His achievement is a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when young people are given the opportunity, encouragement, and support to pursue higher education.

John’s journey with our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia began in 2017. He was able to complete high school and continue his educational journey toward university thanks to the Amos Youth Centre (AYC). Along the way, he immersed himself in opportunities that helped shape him into a top-performing student.

But this story is not only about academic success. It is about the long-term impact of sponsorship and what happens when a community chooses to invest in the potential of one young person. Today, John is a Project Assistant Coordinator at AYC's Urban Farming & Permaculture Learning Space, using his knowledge and passion to strengthen the very community that supported him.

Because where youth rise, communities continue to thrive.