Recently founded African nonprofit organization Masana wa Afrika has opened for business with the goal of supporting community-based groups all around the continent. The charity, named for the African phrase “the warmth of the sun embraces Africa” (Xitsonga), seeks to improve the lives of African children and their families while also promoting sustainable development. A strong foundation for long-term, significant projects has been established by the initial financial partners, Delta Philanthropies and The ELMA Foundation.
Masana wa Afrika’s primary tactic is to give local community leaders, who have unmatched knowledge of the best methods to distribute resources, more authority. Presently, the foundation supports 115 organizations in 13 African nations with capacity-building initiatives and multi-year unrestricted grants. These programs cover a wide range of essential services that are vital to the communities in which they are implemented, such as HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, early childhood development, child nutrition, assistance for children with disabilities, economic empowerment, and psychosocial support.
Masana wa Afrika sets itself apart by stressing long-term collaborations with local leaders and a dedication to trust-based charity. The foundation makes ensuring that development initiatives are sustainable and in line with the particular requirements of African communities by placing a high priority on local ownership, cultural sensitivity, and community-driven solutions. Operating teams from South Africa and Uganda work closely with grantees to create an atmosphere that is conducive to the growth of creative ideas.
The foundation’s guiding principle is stated by Ruth Mapara, director of Masana wa Afrika: “Masana wa Afrika acknowledges the innate potential and resiliency of African communities. Our strategy is based on giving communities the authority to direct their own development projects, which promotes long-term advancement.” This is also the opinion of Bernadette Moffat, Board Chair of Masana wa Afrika, who highlights the transformational power of funding local leadership and projects.
The foundation’s dedication to grassroots impact is emphasized by Tsitsi Masiyiwa, Chair of Delta Philanthropies and Board Member of Masana wa Afrika: “Our approach is based on trust-based philanthropy.” We increase the ability of organizations that are firmly rooted in their communities to provide solutions that actually have an impact.”
Masana wa Afrika works as a liaison between international philanthropy and regional African communities, forming strategic partnerships with funders that have similar goals in order to optimize effect. According to Ruth Mapara, “Through collaboration, we can ensure that community-based organizations receive the necessary resources to empower African children and youth, setting them on a path to success.”
In conclusion, Masana wa Afrika is positioned to promote sustainable development, empower local communities, and support programs that protect the potential and dignity of each and every child and family it supports in order to bring about significant change throughout Africa.
