Assessing Sustainability of Educational Nonprofits in Africa

• In Event: International Education Exchanges, Networks, and Intercultural Learning

Abstract

The researchers conducted ethnographic research of three education-related nonprofits in sub-Saharan Africa in order to better understand processes for sustainability. This work has resulted in a descriptive analysis of the processes of these specific nonprofits in Zambia, Tanzania, and Angola. We offer suggestions for educational nonprofit programs that provide sponsorships or scholarships to children and youth. Our research question is: How do three educational nonprofits in sub-Saharan Africa attempt to ensure successful processes for the children being supported? How do these organizations attempt to be transparent, responsible to local communities, and sustainable over time? More broadly: How might education nonprofits in sub-Saharan Africa implement, support, and evaluate processes for sustainable development?

Authors

• Anita S. Charles, Bates College

• Mollie F. Hoopes, Boston College