GivingTuesday is an annual celebration of the world’s generous spirit; this year it falls on December 3rd, 2024.

What began as a small American tradition has truly blossomed into a global phenomenon with GivingTuesday chapters in ninety countries and over $3 billion in giving (in the U.S. alone).

As we prepare for another day of generosity this year, there are many worthwhile causes to support, but we’re admittedly a bit biased that empowering the lives of East African youth is among the highest priorities.

It’s an unfortunate reality that rural East African youth struggle with poverty, lack of education, gender-based violence, early marriage, a lack of technology, connectivity and more. 

And while we’re elated that many young people have become successful entrepreneurs, teachers, organizers and businessmen and women by maximizing the support they’ve received through Asante Africa, there is still a generation of potential leaders that are missing. Those “potentials” are what motivate everything we do. 

So this “give back Tuesday“, we’re asking you to get involved by 

Helping those children whose potential has yet to be tapped. 
Inspiring kids who have been helped to continue their journey by paying it forward. 

But as the saying goes, it’s a bit easier to understand when one walks in another’s shoes. So to grasp the kind of life-changing impact your support can have, we’ve highlighted the stories of a couple of determined young individuals whose success wouldn’t be possible without help like yours. 

From sporadic school attendee to club chairperson

In Kenya, Jeniffer was a 12 year old girl child that attended school only part time. She then joined Asante Africa’s Wezesha Vijana, a program that centers on life skills for girls, and empowers them through goal setting, personal hygiene and reproductive awareness, and social networking learning.

Shortly thereafter Jeniffer’s election to club secretary of the program helped her come out of her shell as she was now responsible for conducting attendance, member communication and providing group support during sessions. 

This involvement affirmed a newly found self-confidence that would help her become the club chairperson a year later. As part of that role, she traveled to neighboring Maralal for a three-day training session. 

“This training helped me become a better leader when I returned to school,” Jeniffer stated. “This role also has helped improve my discipline since, as a leader, I needed to set a good example.” 

Perhaps most importantly, Jeniffer attends school on a daily basis now and is more active in school and in her community.

“In 2024, I was chosen to represent the school during an education day attended by parents and donors. I recited a poem during the presentation. Additionally, I make and sell beads on weekends to support myself with basic needs such as pads, pens, and books.”

Starting an entrepreneurship on the right foot

In 2021 the Covid pandemic hit family income hard in rural Uganda. Rodgers, a bright and enterprising boy, was in his senior 2 level of school (similar to 9th grade in most school systems) and had to drop out to work. 

Initially, he began farming maize. Through hard work he was able to build up enough capital to move from agriculture to retail and start a business selling shoes.  

Around the same time, Rodgers attended a joint program produced by Asante Africa and Teach A Man to Fish (a fellow nonprofit with a complementary mission). Here he was exposed to the combined principles from Asante Africa’s Youth Livelihood Program and Teach A Man to Fish’s programs. He came away with newly acquired skills such as business planning, risk management, and budgeting among others. 

Like any entrepreneur, he’s faced his share of obstacles. However, his determination has already paid off demonstrated by the construction of a small house in his hometown. And exemplifying his business planning acumen, Rodgers upgraded from a bicycle to a motorcycle, which helps to facilitate more efficient transport of his products between markets.

Now this entrepreneur has his eyes on doing even more. With the opportunity to access more capital, he’s looking to open a wholesale shop in the middle of his town council. 

He’s embraced this idea as a win-win scenario, where his business can grow while helping his community gain access to local goods (instead of them having to travel far distances to other towns). 

By empowering Rodgers, a community is getting stronger and a leader is being born.  

Support GivingTuesday 2024

It’s no small thing that an empowered child can change the direction of their lives and positively impact their community at the same time. But that’s the power of supporting youth that up until then had little to no prospects. All of a sudden, they feel anything is possible.    

Make no mistake, with your support, these kids become empowered, and GivingTuesday is a great opportunity to make your donation count. 

While the main method of giving is dollars (to fund the programs that directly help youth), other methods of giving (time and talent) also shouldn’t be overlooked. 

Here are several ways you can help during this year’s GivingTuesday event:

Consider a recurring monthly donation, so your gift can continue to support empowering East African youth. 
Support on a corporate level to set up a matching gift program, sponsorships, gifts-in-kind or explore other ideas. 
Donate frequent flyer miles to help keep our overhead costs low and programs healthy. All we need is your Airline/Airline Group, Number of Miles to Pledge and Miles Expiration Date.
Donate stock, or tax free IRA contributions (if you’re 70 or older). 
Sign up to our newsletter so you can stay engaged with our mission.
Become a volunteer or an intern at Asante Africa.

If you’ve given before, you know how good it feels to help support someone. We all have a collective responsibility to help those in need. 

This GivingTuesday, be the one that helps the disadvantaged youth of rural East Africa blossom into young community leaders like Jeniffer and Rodgers. 

WRITTEN BY: Christopher Bass