
» KiDS Foundation
Cape Town, South Africa
KiDS Foundation's slogan is "Building our nation through education". Viewing education as a life investment—one that cannot be lost, spent or taken away—
is the core of their future building process for KiDS scholars. Providing financial support, mentorship and extracurricular support, KiDS is enabling young people from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to build a brighter future.
CEDAR Foundation: International is always exhilarated by the energy and promise that is KiDS Foundation.
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» Student Sponsorship Programme (SSP)
Johannesburg, South Africa
SSP was founded in 1999 to fill a serious need in South Africa. The country's public education system was described as a "national disaster" by a representative of the Development Bank of South Africa. He said that 80% of schools are dysfunctional, 50% of students drop out before matric exams, only 11% get good enough grades to qualify for university and fewer than 2% of black adults have a university degree.
During the Apartheid era, per capita spending on education for black South Africans fell to almost one tenth of that for whites. Schools for black South Africans had inferior facilities and textbooks, and teachers were poorly trained. Today, it is critical that opportunities are provided for low income, previously disadvantaged, academically advanced students to be integrated into exceptional academic institutions. In this environment, their talents can be developed, enabling them to be the next generation of leaders in South Africa.
SSP provides hundreds of academically talented, low income students with the opportunity to excel at South Africa's best private high schools. 95% of SSP graduates go on to university. SSP scholars are noted for holding positions of leadership in student governance, athletics and cultural activities at all schools and colleges they attend.
CEDAR Foundation: International takes great satisfaction in its role in SSP's remarkable ground breaking mission.
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» African Leadership Academy
Johannesburg, South Africa
African Leadership Academy (ALA) is proving to be the African "miracle" that many predicted. If its inaugural two-year class of young leaders is any example, ALA's presence throughout the continent will leave a positive mark on Africa's future. The majority of ALA's graduates have accepted full-ride college scholarships to universities around the world, beginning their lifetime of leadership in Africa. ALA has drawn the attention of the world—and it has just begun.
With its unique focus on leadership, entrepreneurship and African studies, ALA's aim is to prepare its graduates to play a key role in leading Africa toward a peaceful and prosperous future.
As one of its founding funders, CEDAR Foundation: International looks ahead with great anticipation at the future of ALA and its role in this complex world.
www.africanleadershipacademy.org
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» CIDA City Campus
Johannesburg, South Africa
Since it was founded in 2000, CIDA City Campus has qualified over 1,000 graduates to date in its primary offering of a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. CIDA offers holistic post-secondary education to historically disadvantaged youth who would otherwise be unable to access higher education. CIDA provides full scholarships covering tuition, books, accommodation, food and travel to all of its students. It prepares them with business skills and knowledge at a high international standard.
CIDA's goal is to develop business-minded graduates who can think creatively, engage in open dialogue and care about transforming Africa. CIDA gifts these energetic young people with a unique opportunity to achieve their goals while breaking the bonds of intergenerational poverty.
Expressing his admiration for CIDA, Nelson Mandela remarked: "I know that CIDA students can be a major force for transformation in whatever field they work—
technology or agriculture, as entrepreneurs or accountants. I am inspired by its extraordinary reach across our nation and am proud to be associated with its vision."
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» NKOSI'S HAVEN
Johannesburg, South Africa
Nkosi's Haven is dedicated to fulfilling Nkosi Johnson's dream of providing mothers and children living with HIV/AIDS with an environment of acceptance, growth, dignity and self-determination. Nkosi died at age 12, but his dream for a haven lives on.
The ongoing expansion of cottages, activity rooms, facilities and equipment has added strength and vitality to this unique and caring community. The children's futures are enhanced by education in the best schools and by the provision of quality medical and social services.
In South Africa, it is estimated that 1,350 people are diagnosed every day with HIV/AIDS. Countless families have lost their breadwinner. Hundreds of thousands of children have been orphaned. HIV/AIDS may be affecting up to 30% of pregnant women.
Out of the darkness, Nkosi''s Haven shines as a bright light of hope and compassion. As the staff say, "we ensure that our residents learn how to live with AIDS, not how to die from it".
In its association with the amazing force of nature that is Gail Johnson, whose tireless work inspires all who meet her, CEDAR Foundation: International is humbled and reminded of Kahil Gibran's verse "On Giving":
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» Masibambane College
Orange Farm Township, South Africa
When Masibambane College High School opened in Orange Farm Township in March 2010, it was celebrated as the first of its kind: a high standard, high quality Grade 8 through 12 high school. Prior to this, Masibambane College operated a quality primary school for 650 children. But the sad fact was that after such academic early advantage, the students were then forced to return to under-equipped, under-staffed, crowded public schools that were highly unlikely to enhance their chances for post-secondary education.
Masibambane College High School, on the other hand, will enable most of its graduates to qualify for scholarships and opportunities at South Africa's finest universities. The social and economic impact on the community will, in time, be immeasurable. Many of Orange Farm's young people will soon be leaving their positive mark on the world.
By fully funding the construction and furnishing/ equipping of the Masibambane College High School, CEDAR Foundation: International is proud to be part of this exciting change.
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