African Equity

African Equity - September 09 (121 KB)

African Equity Overview

African Equity is an Australian Based Non Government Organisation (NGO). We are the primary Australian supporters of the Heroes of the Nation orphanage and community development project in Nyahururu, Kenya. We are a fully accredited charity with tax deductable status. The structure and activities of African Equity are overseen by its board of directors who represent many years of successful experience in charitable, community and business fields. African Equity’s administrative processes are also subject to a fully certified external audit.

We are focused on breaking the cycle of poverty through education and employment – creating an environment of self sufficiency and autonomy, not dependence.

Currently, we support 530 children in an orphanage / school and run a number of initiatives in and around the greater community, including medical clinics/adult education/vocational training (welding & computer classes) and several business initiatives (including maize grinding-agricultural services-mechanical services)

As a result of this broad based and business-like approach, we are able to provide not only a safe environment for orphaned children but also education (academic and vocational) and ultimately a future. The added benefit of creating revenue from within the Kenyan economy (through our locally based enterprises) is that it eliminates the dependency on outside aid that is often created. Despite limited resources our school’s academic performance is rated in the top 5% for Kenya.

A significant point of difference that sets African Equity apart from many other groups is that all administrative, shipping, operational and management costs are funded by a private sponsor. Importantly, as a volunteer organisation, our constitution is set up in a manner that ensures all funds are sent to the nominated project.

We not only guarantee that 100% of the money gets to the project, we also ensure that donated funds and resources are utilized effectively “on the ground” in Kenya. We are in daily contact with the project and our Australian management teams are regularly on site in Kenya to ensure effective outcomes for our sponsors.

We have, through cash donations, recently been able to fully fund the construction of 8 new classrooms for the orphanage/primary school in Nyahururu. This will alleviate pressure on the overcrowded facilities and allow for expansion.

The ultimate goal for the Nyahururu project is to be self sufficient with the capacity to accommodate 1000 children. In addition to raising much needed funds for capital expansion, African equity procures and ships container loads of goods to Kenya on a regular basis. These goods (often surplus stock, 2nds or clearance items) are sent to a non competitive environment where they are leveraged to the ultimate benefit of the orphanage and the greater community. We partner with other credible organizations in Kenya to utilize these resources to reach their maximum beneficial potential.

In one case we recently received 41,000 pairs or reconditioned prescription glasses from the Redcliffe Lions Club, along with 300 all Terrain wheelchairs from the Gold Coast Rotary Club. Both these donations will be shipped and distributed through partnerships with international organizations in Kenya benefiting thousands of people.

National companies including Best & Less, Pacific Brands (Bonds, Hard Yakka), Aussie Soles Shoes, Sky Marketing, Dynamic Headwear, Angus & Robertson,CSR (to Name but a few) have supported African Equity. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of benefit has been created from products that may have otherwise been left idle in warehouses. Being a tax deductable organisation allows African Equity to receipt donations of goods as well as cash.

Additionally we receive strong support from individuals, community groups such as Rotary, Lions etc, Church and community groups, and schools.

Media interest is growing both in Australia and overseas as we transform the traditional method of aid. The Sunday Mail is sending a senior journalist to Kenya in September to cover the project. Channel 9 Australia has filmed a segment for “A Current Affair”.We are gaining the endorsement and involvement of Australian Government officials and high profile sporting personalities.We are also building a strong relationship with Kenyan Government (The vice president will be holding a reception for us on October 1st in Nairobi as well as attending the opening of 8 new buildings at the orphanage)

African Equity is more than a group of passionate dreamers.

Whilst we dream of a fairer world, we are a mobilised, effective team that is really making a difference. We are delivering a positive outcome, not to, but with the African Community.

IF YOU HAVE THE WILL – WE HAVE THE WAY!
www.african-equity.com