[ Our Mission | Why South Africa? | Our Work ]

Why South Africa?

South Africa is a country struggling with the legacy of apartheid. For over 40 years, black South Africans were given access to inferior medical and educational services under the injustices of colonial rule. Today, the nation’s youth face the dire consequences.

• Approximately 50% of the country survives on nearly $2.27/day ^[1]
• 27% of people live without access to electricity ^[1]
• Nearly 23% of the population does not have access to proper sanitation ^[1]
• Only 62% of high school students pass the National Certificate exam required for graduation ^[1]
• 30% of black Africans under age 30 are employed ^[2]
• 10% of the country suffers from AIDS ^[1]
• Cape Town’s murder rate is among the highest in the world ^[3]

Cape Town’s School of Hope

Our mentees are from the School of Hope. Many of the school’s students are former street children, rehabilitated drug addicts or members of abusive homes affected by AIDS. Despite struggling against these odds, they have the courage and motivation to believe in a better life.

This is the courage that ACT’s founder saw during her 2008 trip to South Africa. She saw the difference that just one, healthy and loving relationship had on motivating students to stay in school, reach their potential and positively impact the greater community.