African Education Program (AEP) @AEProgram

The African Education Program attended the UNGA side event, "Friends of Zambia" hosted by the Chandler Foundation, Livelihood Impact Fund and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations in New York City last evening. A big thank you to Board Members, Marcia Small, Cecilia Milambo and Dr. Marie-Odile Savarit (photo 1). Special introductions were made to the Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Zambia (photo 2). The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is where all UN Member States come together to discuss global challenges and agree on shared priorities. Every country has a voice and one vote. The Assembly addresses issues such as peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development, and it can adopt resolutions that express the collective position of its members. #Zambia

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Inclusive education is at the heart of what we do. Through our flagship Learning & Leadership Center, the Amos Youth Centre, we work alongside local leaders in Kafue #Zambia to make sure learners with disabilities have the support they need to access education, participate fully in the classroom, and lead in their communities. We are very proud of how far Febby Choombe, the Director of Special Education, has grown the Read for Rose Special Education Program. So inspiring to watch her work every day! #InternationalDayOfSignLanguages #InclusiveEducation

In community development, we talk a lot about impact on the people we serve. We talk far less about the people doing the serving. At our flagship Learning & Leadership Center, the Amos Youth Centre (AYC) in Kafue, Zambia, the team works every day alongside children, youth, and women. Many of them are alumni of the Center, now leading the programs that shaped them. Their well-being isn't a side issue. It's central to the work. That's why AYC has built staff mental health into how the organization operates: → Mental health leave days → Access to a team of trained staff counselors → Regular supervisor check-ins and open communication → Mental health training, including practical tools for managing pressure → Quarterly team-building to strengthen trust and connection The results show up in how staff talk about their work. One team member put it plainly: "Without [good mental health], the goals cannot be achieved." For Ignitious, a Facilitator Intern with AYC's youth clubs, the shift was personal: "I came to know that my mental health matters." What stands out most is that AYC treats well-being as a shared responsibility, not just a management function. Colleagues check in on each other, communicate openly, and practice kindness. The staff themselves are shaping what comes next, asking for more regular training and coaching. For organizations committed to locally-led development, this is a lesson worth sharing: sustainable impact depends on sustainable teams. When we take care of the people who care, we strengthen everything they build. Read the full story by Annabell Mumba, AYC's Donor Relations Coordinator and a College Scholarship Fund alum: amosyouthcentre.org/blog/2026/09/1… How is your organization investing in the people behind the work? We'd love to hear. #WorkplaceWellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #LocallyLed #CommunityLedDevelopment #NonprofitLeadership #Zambia

At the African Education Program, we know that building confidence is essential to empowering girls to shape their own futures. Girls who participated in the Reproductive Health Access Initiative at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center, the Amos Youth Centre (AYC) in Kafue, #Zambia, demonstrated an 11% increase in self-belief. This growth matters. When girls have confidence in themselves, they are better equipped to ask questions, make informed decisions, advocate for their needs, and pursue their educational and personal goals. Through reproductive and menstrual health education, AYC creates safe spaces where girls can gain knowledge, speak openly, and recognize their ability to influence the direction of their lives. For AEP, reproductive health education is about more than sharing information. It is about helping girls develop the confidence and agency to put that knowledge into action. #GirlsEmpowerment #ReproductiveHealth #YouthDevelopment #AfricanEducationProgram #AmosYouthCentre

At the African Education Program, we believe that lasting change begins by investing in local leaders, supporting them as they grow professionally, pursue their own goals, and use their knowledge to strengthen their communities. Christine Mulenga embodies that vision. An Amos Youth Centre (AYC) alumna and AYC’s Extracurricular Programs Manager, Christine is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Development. As part of her studies, she is completing a fieldwork attachment in Mwansokola Village in Chikupi, approximately 11 miles from where our flagship Learning & Leadership Center is located in Kafue, #Zambia. Christine has been meeting with traditional leaders, visiting schools, conducting door-to-door outreach, and engaging with local police and health clinics to better understand the community’s needs. These conversations have led to a proposal for an adolescent and youth club that would bring together peer educators, teacher patrons, and health center staff to address challenges such as teenage pregnancy and alcohol and substance abuse. This is what it means to build into a local team and then watch those individuals continue building into themselves and others. When local leaders are given opportunities to learn, grow, and lead, their impact extends far beyond the walls of AYC. Well done, Christine! We are incredibly proud to see you carrying your passion for service into another community and creating opportunities for young people to thrive. #AfricanEducationProgram #AmosYouthCentre #LocalLeadership #CommunityDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #AYCAlumni

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@cd_jameson Thank you!!!

What a wonderful evening at the Wayne Art Center, in Radnor Township, Wayne, PA! We could think of no better place to celebrate how far this student-founded nonprofit has come, and how its work continues to thrive today, than in the community where it all began. Nearly 60 guests gathered to celebrate local author and illustrator Dorothy Potash and the launch of her latest children’s book, Jiya and the Wisdom of Elephants, created in partnership with the African Education Program (AEP). The evening featured a beautiful grazing table, a reading and book signing by Dorothy, and an inspiring presentation from long-time AEP donors, Hollie and Jamie Holt, and AEP Board Member Marie-Odile Savarit. It was a joyful celebration of AEP’s successes, the power of storytelling and community support to help young people to grow into compassionate leaders. Our heartfelt thanks to Dorothy for sharing her extraordinary talent, to Hollie and Jamie for graciously hosting the evening, and to everyone who joined us in making the celebration so meaningful. Jiya and the Wisdom of Elephants is more than a beautiful story—it is also a celebration of AEP’s local roots. Founded by students at Radnor High School more than 20 years ago, AEP continues to thrive because of this community’s support. Every book purchased helps fund programs for children, youth, and families in #Zambia. Copies are still available. Visit our website to order yours! 👉 africaneducationprogram.org/the-wisdom-we-… #JiyaAndTheWisdomOfElephants #TheWisdomWeShare #AfricanEducationProgram #WaynePA #Radnor #RadnorCommunity #LocalAuthor #CommunityCelebration #MainLine #WhereYouthRiseCommunitiesThrive

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Entrepreneurship and financial literacy are life skills and it is never too early to begin learning them. At the African Education Program’s flagship Learning & Leadership Center, the Amos Youth Centre (AYC) in Kafue, #Zambia, students are learning how to make simple savings envelopes while exploring the value of setting goals and developing healthy saving habits. Led by Entrepreneurship Manager Violet Mukumbwa, these hands-on sessions help students understand foundational concepts such as managing money, planning for the future, and turning an idea into a small business. For students in the Read for Rose Special Education Program, these practical and inclusive learning opportunities also help build confidence, independence, and pathways toward future economic participation. Small lessons today can help young people make informed decisions and create greater opportunities for themselves tomorrow. #FinancialLiteracy #YouthEntrepreneurship #InclusiveEducation #ReadForRose #AmosYouthCentre #AfricanEducationProgram

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At the African Education Program (AEP), we know that supporting children with disabilities also means caring for the mothers and guardians who support them every day. During this month’s mental health session at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, the Amos Youth Centre, caregivers of students in the Read for Rose Special Education Program explored practical strategies for protecting their own mental and emotional well-being. Caring for a child with diverse needs can bring both tremendous joy and unique challenges. Providing caregivers with a safe space to learn, reflect, and connect with others helps reduce isolation, strengthen resilience, and remind them that their well-being matters too. When caregivers feel supported, families are stronger, and children are better able to thrive. #MentalHealthMatters #CaregiverWellbeing #InclusiveEducation #ReadForRose #AmosYouthCentre #AfricanEducationProgram

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The second phase of an exciting digital learning pilot is underway at the African Education Program’s flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, the Amos Youth Centre! Grade 5 students are participating in Digital Literacy sessions, with each learner using an individual tablet and educational software provided by @MwabuZm. The lessons align with key subjects in Zambia’s national curriculum, giving students an engaging new way to strengthen their knowledge and digital skills. Made possible through AEP’s partnership with Tablets for Kids, this pilot is expanding access to technology for children who might not otherwise have this opportunity. For these young learners, tablets are more than devices—they are opening doors to knowledge, curiosity, and possibility. #DigitalLearning #TabletsForKids #AfricanEducationProgram #AmosYouthCentre #EducationForAll

Peter, an alumni of our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, is back at the African Leadership Academy (ALA) in South Africa, where he is serving as an Educator and Facilitator for the Global Scholars Programme (GSP). As an ALA and Amos Youth Centre alumnus, Peter has the opportunity to support the next generation of young leaders. In this GSP role, he guides participants through interactive sessions, mentors them as they develop community impact projects, and facilitates meaningful discussions about leadership and youth empowerment. We are proud to see our alumni step into spaces where they can share their knowledge, mentor others, and help develop Africa's next generation of #changemakers.

On International Literacy Day, we celebrate the 477 girls and boys building strong foundations through the Young Learners Program at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, Zambia, the Amos Youth Centre. Through the Literacy Club and Read for Rose Special Education Program, children of all abilities receive support in reading, writing, basic numeracy, and other essential skills. Literacy opens the door to lifelong learning, greater confidence, and meaningful participation in community life. By helping children develop these skills early, we are equipping them to imagine—and build—brighter futures. #InternationalLiteracyDay #LiteracyForAll #YoungLearners #InclusiveEducation #AfricanEducationProgram #Zambia

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Why aren't more girls pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics? Five girls from our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia -- the Amos Youth Centre (AYC) -- recently participated in the two-day GirlUp STEAM Summit, organized by @GirlUpAfrica, to learn about some of the barriers that prevent girls from pursuing STEAM and the importance of creating opportunities that encourage more girls to participate and lead in these fields. The summit also gave the girls an opportunity to learn about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and explore how young people, especially girls, can contribute to achieving these global goals through education, innovation and leadership. They also explored gender equality and the importance of ensuring that girls and boys have equal opportunities and access to education. Thank you, Girl Up Africa and Girl Up Zambia, for inviting AYC to this learning opportunity and equipping ALL girls with knowledge, confidence and inspiration to see themselves as future leaders, innovators and changemakers. @CatFoundationTS thank you for sponsoring this incredible event! #GirlUpSTEAM #GirlUpAfrica #GirlUpZambia #STEAMGirls #GirlsInSTEAM #YouthLeadership #CaterpillarFoundation #Zambia

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Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today. At our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, Zambia, young people are taking ownership of their learning and their communities. Trained peer educators are guiding their peers through important conversations about health, education, relationships, and personal growth. They are creating environments where young people feel comfortable asking questions, seeking support, and making choices that will shape their futures. These young leaders are proving that when you invest in youth, equip them with the right tools, and trust them to lead, they rise to the occasion in extraordinary ways. They become mentors, advocates, and role models—not just for their peers, but for entire communities. #PeerEducation #YouthLeaders #AmosYouthCentre #CommunityDevelopment #AfricanEducationProgram #Zambia

When Isaac joined our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, Zambia, the Amos Youth Centre (AYC), in 2014, a scholarship helped open the door for him to pursue a degree in Education. Today, he is a secondary school teacher in Zambia’s Eastern Province, inspiring another generation of young people. Isaac’s story shows how investing in one young person can create opportunities that reach far beyond them. Through the College Scholarship Fund, young leaders can pursue the futures they choose—whether they dream of becoming a teacher or plumber, an engineer or nurse. Every path has the power to strengthen families, serve communities, and inspire others. Read Isaac’s story on AYC's Letters Blog and consider donating to the College Scholarship Fund to open doors for more young people: amosyouthcentre.org/blog/2026/08/2… #AfricanEducationProgram #AmosYouthCentre #CollegeScholarshipFund #InvestInYouth #EducationChangesLives

There is something powerful about watching a young leader return to a place that helped shape him — this time ready to shape the lives of others. We are incredibly proud to share that Spencer, an alumnus of our flagship Learning & Leadership Center, the Amos Youth Centre in Kafue, Zambia, has returned to the African Leadership Academy (ALA) in South Africa as an Educator and Facilitator for its Global Scholars Program. Spencer’s journey with ALA began in 2021 when he was selected for the Academy’s rigorous two-year leadership development program, where he learned alongside some of Africa’s most promising young leaders and further developed the skills, confidence, and vision to create change. Now, he has come full circle. Through ALA’s Global Scholars Program, Spencer is helping guide young people from across Africa and around the world. As an educator, mentor, and facilitator, he leads experiential learning, supports students as they develop community impact projects, and creates space for meaningful conversations about leadership and youth empowerment. For the African Education Program, Spencer’s journey reflects what long-term investment in young people can make possible. Through education, mentorship, leadership development, and access to opportunities, young people are empowered not only to build their own futures, but to create opportunities for others. Spencer is no longer simply participating in leadership programs. He is helping lead them. We could not be prouder to see his journey continue — and to watch leadership multiply. #AfricanEducationProgram #WhereYouthRiseCommunitiesThrive #YouthLeadership #Zambia #AfricanLeadershipAcademy #YouthEmpowerment

@unicefzambia @mohzambia @EUinZambia Do you need an outreach partner in Kafue??

This is what community in action looks like. As this year’s Leadership & Life Skills Camp came to a close at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, the Amos Youth Centre (AYC), students had the opportunity to share what they had learned with the people who help make their growth possible. The District Education Board Secretary was welcomed along with representatives from the AYC Parents Committee and the African Education Program, and, most importantly, the parents and families who came to celebrate their children. Throughout the showcase, students demonstrated the creativity, confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills they had strengthened during the week. For parents, it was an opportunity to see that growth firsthand—and to be part of it. At AEP, we believe lasting change happens when young people are surrounded by a community that believes in them. That means working alongside parents, educators, local leaders, and our team in Zambia to ensure young people have the support and opportunities they need to thrive. Thank you to everyone who showed up for these students and helped us celebrate another successful Leadership & Life Skills Camp. When a community invests in its young people, everyone benefits.

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This is what community looks like. ❤️ At the recent Camp Showcase at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center, the Amos Youth Centre (AYC) in Kafue, #Zambia, it was wonderful to see so many parents and guardians come out to celebrate their children and see firsthand what they had learned and accomplished during camp. At the African Education Program, we know that lasting change doesn't happen by working with children alone. Parents and guardians are essential partners in everything we do. By involving families, listening to them, and encouraging their participation every step of the way, we create a stronger circle of support around every young person. For 20 years, families in Kafue have trusted AYC to walk alongside their children as they learn, grow, lead, and dream about their futures. Their involvement is a powerful reminder that when families, educators, and communities work together, young people have an even greater opportunity to thrive. We love these parent-child moments captured at this year's camp and everything they represent: community, partnership, pride, and possibility. Thank you to the parents and guardians who continue to show up—not only at camp, but throughout the year. Here's to 20 years of growing together. 💛 #AYCAt20 #20thAnniversary #10YearsOfCamp #Community #AfricanEducationProgram #WhereYouthRiseCommunitiesThrive

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🎉 10 years of #Camp10 — and we couldn't be prouder. For a full decade, our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, the Amos Youth Centre (AYC), has turned one week each year into a launchpad for young #leaders. This year is extra special: as AYC celebrates 20 years of unlocking potential for children, youth and women in Kafue, we're marking our 10th Annual Leadership & Life Skills Camp. This week, students are diving into leadership, health, agriculture, art, theatre, and teamwork, but Camp 10 is about more than the activities. It's a space where young people discover their strengths, build friendships, and imagine the future they want to create. None of this happens without our community of donors. For 10 years, special friends like you have made this camp possible for the children and youth of Kafue. Will you help write the next 10 years of Camp? Your gift — big or small — helps AYC's local team keep creating this space for the next generation of Zambian changemakers. Donate today! africaneducationprogram.org/donate

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