This Nelson Mandela Day, we honor the legacy of a leader whose vision for justice, equality and human dignity continues to inspire our work. Mandela once said,
The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation
Hunger is perpetuated by systemic barriers like inequality, gender discrimination and the lack of access to resources and knowledge. That’s why education is woven into everything we do at The Hunger Project. We support communities to access the tools, information and skills they need to sustain meaningful change from within.
In our program countries around the world, we incorporate education into community-led initiatives that drive lasting change:
- Across the communities we partner with, we are bridging the digital divide by expanding access to the internet and skills training that improves digital literacy and accessibility. With the launch of 11 information and communication technology centers and nearly 106,000 people reached, this work is opening new paths to education and opportunity for youth and adults alike.
- In Africa, our epicenter strategy supports preschool programs that include one nutritious meal per day. This program actively encourages parents to bring their children to preschool and establish a strong educational foundation early on.
- In South Asia, we plan monthly activities with an emphasis on literacy and education. These include environmental education awareness campaigns, debates, math Olympiads, writing competitions, roundtables and blood donation camps.
- In Latin America, we work to create Safe Spaces for Girls by reducing the number of child marriages and increasing the number of girls fulfilling their education. This improves girls’ attendance in school, reducing dropouts, improving the quality of education and promoting additional opportunities for girls in and out of school.
“For us at The Hunger Project, education directly contributes to transforming the systems of inequity that cause hunger and allow it to persist,” said Rowlands Kaotcha, President and CEO of The Hunger Project. “It is fundamental to creating a world without hunger. It builds self-reliance, shifts mindsets and unlocks human potential. When people, especially women and girls, have access to education, they gain the knowledge and confidence to challenge the systems that inhibit growth and lead their communities toward a future free from hunger.”
In celebration of Mandela’s legacy, we recommit to his belief that education is a catalyst for transformation. His vision reminds us that true change starts with knowledge and the people who share it. Together, we can continue the work he started by building a world where every person has the opportunity to learn, lead and thrive.
Image credit (top to bottom): Africa Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger 1994, Ghana 2022. All photos are for The Hunger Project.
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