As we look forward to this year’s International Literacy Day (September 8th), we’re celebrating the progress being made to educate and empower the young people who will become tomorrow’s leaders. Thanks to the contributions of educational institutions and organizations such as Asante Africa Foundation, youth literacy rates across Africa are steadily rising. Kenya now boasts a 92.81% literacy rate among youth, with Uganda close behind at 87.41%. These are significant gains, but there is still work to be done. 

While academic education lays the foundation, it’s practical, real-world experience that shapes confident, capable leaders. Understanding how to identify needs, build a plan, and lead with purpose is essential – especially when paired with close connections to the communities these young people serve. Through hands-on experience, they inspire teams, build resilience, and adapt to ever-changing challenges.

That’s where Asante Africa Foundation’s programs come in. Our Youth Livelihood Program (YLP) offers a phased learning journey that develops job readiness, entrepreneurial skills, and leadership capacity. At the foundational level, youth lead hands-on, income-generating projects in their communities. In the intermediate phase, they apply their learning through gamified business tools and real-world initiatives. A key highlight is The Enterprise Challenge, conducted in partnership with King’s Trust International, which empowers students to pitch and refine business ideas. At an advanced level, students launch or scale their own businesses, build credit, and create growth plans that set them up for long-term success. This year, two alumni of this program were recognized at the 2025 King’s Trust Awards in London for their extraordinary achievements. Read Alice and Pascal’s stories.

For young adults (ages 18-24) who are out of school, our Digital Employability and Entrepreneurship Program (DEEP) Initiative offers a 15-month intensive experience. Participants gain skills in software development, project management, and business development, earning globally recognized certifications and more than 1,500 hours of field training. Partnering with industry leaders like Google, Cisco, Salesforce, and Amazon, as well as local businesses and national governments, DEEP ensures graduates are ready for employment opportunities—or to create their own.

Together, we can equip the next generation with the tools they need to thrive—not just in school, but in life. Practical skills are not just a supplement to education; they are the spark that ignites a brighter future.

Written by: Grant Pierce