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Support Education in Africa and Help Break the Cycle of Poverty

At Bread and Water for Africa®, we believe education is more than just learning—it’s a lifeline that offers children in Sub-Saharan Africa the chance to escape poverty and create lasting change in their communities. By choosing to support education in Africa, you help us provide school fee sponsorships, classroom resources, and build schools like Kipkeino Primary School in Kenya, transforming lives one student at a time.

Your support empowers children to learn, grow, and thrive. Together, we can provide the tools and opportunities they need to build a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.

Why is education a problem in Africa?

Infographic showing that one-third of young people in sub-Saharan Africa do not complete primary school.

Education in Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges, making it one of the most excluded regions in the world. The lack of education in Africa stems from several barriers:

Poverty

Many families cannot afford school fees, uniforms, or supplies, forcing children—especially in rural areas—to drop out early or never attend school. According to UNESCO, over one-fifth of children aged 6 to 11 are out of school, and nearly 60% of the poorest adolescents are not enrolled.

Inadequate Resources

Schools in the region often lack essential facilities and materials. Many classrooms are overcrowded, and students frequently lack basic necessities such as desks, books, and teaching materials. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 9 in 10 children are unable to read or comprehend a simple text by age 10, compared to an average of 7 in 10 in other low- and middle-income countries.

Gender Disparities

Girls face even greater obstacles to accessing education. Across the region, 9 million girls between the ages of 6 and 11 will never attend school, compared to 6 million boys, according to UIS data. Their disadvantage starts early, with 23% of girls out of primary school compared to 19% of boys. By adolescence, gender disparities worsen due to financial hardship, early marriage, and cultural norms that prioritize boys’ education.

These barriers perpetuate cycles of poverty, limit economic opportunities, and hinder overall development in the region. Yet, education remains one of the most effective tools to address these issues and create lasting change.

Our Solutions to Educational Problems in Africa

Bread and Water for Africa® believes that access to education is a fundamental human right and a proven path to breaking the cycle of poverty. Through our education programs across Africa, we empower students to succeed academically and build brighter futures.

Our holistic approach addresses educational problems in Africa by tackling critical barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of supplies, and financial hardship. We partner with organizations that support education in Africa to construct schools, sponsor school fees, and provide essentials like uniforms, books, and durable desks. These efforts create safe, inclusive, and conducive learning environments that empower students to thrive academically and personally.

Stories of Impact

A young boy named Mumba watering a garden at the Kabwata Orphanage in Zambia.

Mumba’s Journey (Zambia)

Born in a Zambian prison, Mumba was raised in the Kabwata Orphanage supported by Bread and Water for Africa®. Against all odds, he pursued his education and graduated with a degree in Environmental Health Sciences. Reflecting on his journey, Mumba says:

“Being educated is one of the best things I’ve ever wanted. Thank you for all your support, and may the good Lord bless you.”

Tariro, a young woman in Zimbabwe

Tariro’s Transformation (Zimbabwe)

Orphaned at age 3, Tariro faced immense challenges to stay in school. Thanks to Bread and Water for Africa®’s school fees assistance program, she was supported from primary school to graduation. Grateful for the opportunity, Tariro shares:

“Thank you so much for taking my burden as your responsibility and giving me a blessing. I am what I am today because of you.”

Students in Sierra Leone sitting at new school desks.

Improved Classrooms in Sierra Leone

After receiving 728 school desks from Bread and Water for Africa®, a local partner in Sierra Leone reported:

“The children have a very conducive classroom environment. The school’s roll has increased as seating accommodations have improved. We are grateful for the continued educational support from Bread and Water for Africa®.”

Donate today to join us in creating lasting change.

Our Impact in 2024

In 2024, Bread and Water for Africa® achieved the following milestones:

  • 411 Orphaned and destitute primary and secondary school students from Chad, Sierra Leone, Kenya, and Zimbabwe received quality education through school fee sponsorship programs, which also provided uniforms and school supplies.
  • 1,425 students from Ethiopia and Sierra Leone benefited from the provision of combined school desks, creating more comfortable and conducive learning environments.
  • In Chad, the number of students supported increased by more than 100 compared to 2023, nearly doubling the number of female students benefiting from the school fee assistance program.
  • Through partnerships, we also enabled rural schools in Sierra Leone to receive shipments of durable desks, improving classroom conditions and attracting more children to attend school regularly.

Your contribution can transform the life of a child.

Help Us By Donating Today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes, Bread and Water for Africa® is a 501 c3 organization and as such, your gift is fully deductible. No gifts or goods are provided to you for your donation.

How do I donate?

You can donate online using our secure donation form, by phone, or by mail.

For more details on these options, visit our Donations page.

How can I stay updated on the impact of my donation?

We regularly share updates and stories about our programs and their impact on our website. You can also subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring stories, program highlights, and news.

Where does my donation go?

Your donation directly supports our education programs across Sub-Saharan Africa. This includes covering school fees, providing uniforms and supplies, improving school infrastructure, and funding vital resources like desks and classrooms.

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