Project Yes Africa Inc

Project YES Africa, a U.S.-based, non-profit organization, was established in 2014 after eight Washington, D.C. area friends traveled to South Africa on vacation in 2013.

In addition to visiting key sights and experiencing various cultural events across the country, the group planned a one-time service day to make a contribution in a township. Led by a local resident who has been appointed to serve the Republic of South Africa's Department of Basic Education, the group visited a pre-school in the Khayelitsha township outside of Cape Town and delivered much-needed educational supplies for the children and staff.

From the moment of arrival, the group was struck by the patchwork of unsafe and dilapidated structures, lack of basic supplies and over-crowded conditions. We found two staff persons and 50 pre-school children eager to learn in two tiny rooms. What astonished the group most, however, was the indomitable hope and spirit of the staff and children. They exhibited grace and appreciation in spite of their circumstances. The children sang for the group and the center director, Nokwanda, proudly demonstrated their abilities, showed us their daily lesson plans, and spoke with pride about the important services the pre-school provided for families in the community.

As the group prepared to leave the pre-school, we presented Nokwanda with the supplies brought from the U.S. while simultaneously coming to the realization that much more could be done to support the children in the pre-school. By the end of our vacation, the friends collectively agreed that we could and must do more to address not only the needs of the pre-school, but as many children across South Africa as possible -- and thus Project YES Africa was born.

As new challenges and needs arise, the founders of Project YES Africa will continue to strive to realize its mission of improving the development and education of school-aged children in South Africa. Please consider donating to Project YES Africato make an impact on education for the most vulnerable in South Africa.