Z Zurich Foundation (ZZF), JA Worldwide, and JA Africa (www.JA-Africa.org) are excited to announce the expansion of the Social Equity Program (SEP) to seven countries. The program will return for a second year in Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, and Uganda, while also introducing youth educational experiences in four new countries: Burkina Faso, DR Congo, Tanzania, and Togo.
SEP has had a significant impact on the lives of over 10,000 direct beneficiaries since its inception. Through dynamic boot camps, interactive seminars, and workshops delivered in-person and through JA Africa’s Digital Entrepreneurship Education Program (JA DEEP), the program has facilitated the creation of nearly 500 social equity projects benefiting tens of thousands more. Now, the program is expanding to include Burkina Faso, DR Congo, Tanzania, and Togo, aiming to empower an additional 46,000 post-secondary youth aged 16–25. The ultimate goal is to impact the lives of over 550,000 youth by the end of the three-year partnership.
SEP promotes social entrepreneurship to address challenges in Africa such as climate change, food shortages, and inadequate health and education infrastructure. Additionally, mentorship opportunities provided by Zurich Insurance Group employees from diverse backgrounds help participants expand their networks and perspectives beyond their local communities.
Simi Nwogugu, President, and CEO at JA Africa, expressed the importance of providing equal opportunities for youth in underserved communities and the pivotal role of ZZF’s focus on social equity in creating a fair playing field. Gregory Renand, Head of Z Zurich Foundation, emphasized the empowerment of youth in underserved communities to pursue sustainable employment through collaboration.
With rising youth unemployment rates and the challenge of NEET becoming more prevalent, the need to empower young people to become innovative job creators is crucial. Initiatives like SEP play a vital role in addressing this pressing issue in Africa.
About JA Africa: JA Africa is one of Africa’s largest youth-serving NGOs, delivering immersive learning experiences in various fields to over 900,000 youth in more than 3,000 schools annually across 16 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. (www.JA-Africa.org).
About JA Worldwide: JA Worldwide offers real-world entrepreneurship programs where students develop business skills and financial literacy, preparing them for college or the workforce. With over 17 million student experiences yearly in 118 countries, JA Worldwide aims to build a brighter future for young innovators and leaders (JAWorldwide.org).
About Z Zurich Foundation: The Z Zurich Foundation collaborates with stakeholders, governments, and NGOs to empower individuals to thrive in the face of climate hazards, speak up against life stresses, reach their full potential, and receive support in times of crisis. It is the charitable foundation of Zurich Insurance Group, focusing on global community investment (https://Zurich.Foundation).