![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62fbbfaabe14fd667e666ef7/938c1ce8-527e-4870-959c-feea77d4488c/201902CANDELORI_AEPpromotional-16.jpg)
We empower African children, youth and women for lasting community change through long-term investments in education, health, and leadership.
Our flagship project, a Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, Zambia, is a thriving hub where children, youth, and women access holistic programming. The Center has created life-changing results since 2006.
In 2024, we will reach over 4,000 children, youth and women:
750 children, youth and women at the Learning
& Leadership Center.
3,000 youth through our Peer-to-Peer Education Program in local schools.
300 rural youth through our Kids Care Initiative
for HIV awareness.
Meet one of our alumni leaders.
Febby Choombe, once a dreamer, now a changemaker. Growing up, Febby aspired to transform the lives of children with disabilities. In Zambia, where over half face exclusion, Febby is breaking barriers.
As a teenager, she accessed programs at our Learning & Leadership Center and then earned a Special Education degree from the University of Zambia through our College Scholarship Fund.
Post-graduation, she returned to launch the Read for Rose Special Education Program. With Febby's visionary leadership, we're reshaping Zambia's education landscape for children and youth with disabilities.
Our impact in numbers.
86% of 12th graders accessing the High School Tutoring Program passed Zambia’s national exam, compared to 69% nationally.
98% of young women in the Reproductive Health Access Initiative do not become pregnant before 18 compared to 15-20% locally.
107% average income increase for women who graduate from our custom-designed, 4-month Women’s Business Training.
11 of the 16 full-time team of the Center are alumni who returned after pursuing higher education to spearhead programs and champion community-led change.
Our work starts here.
Community-led organizations are best-positioned to create sustainable change.
Since our founding in 2004, we have collaborated with community leaders and youth in Kafue, Zambia to grow our Learning & Leadership Center.
Our holistic programming unlocks the potential of youth, children, and women so they can pursue their dreams and transform their communities. Our programs focus on quality and inclusive education, leadership development, reproductive and menstrual health, well-being, girls’ agency and gender equity, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment and community development.
Whether you join us by making a one-time gift or becoming a monthly donor, your investment will accelerate community-led development and change lives.
The African Education Program in action.
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62fbbfaabe14fd667e666ef7/74715eda-2ea7-414b-8ba1-34dabd64d1ac/aep_texture.png)