By Simi Nwogugu
I’m always excited to see partnerships renewed because it is proof of success! After a successful partnership last year, which led to an award-winning end for both JA and ExxonMobil, we are delighted to relaunch the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa program across four implementing countries for its second year!
We have also expanded our partnership with Boeing through the launch of STEM and entrepreneurship programs in Nigeria and Togo. In Nigeria, 500 secondary school girls are participating in the Girls STEMpreneurship program, gaining skills for future careers and seed funding for their best ideas. In Togo, 600 students are learning to build startups and develop real-world solutions to environmental challenges.
These programs are more than learning experiences—they are launchpads for future changemakers.
Our partnership with the Z Zurich Foundation also continues to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing in young people. To mark Mental Health Awareness Month, we hosted a webinar on May 23, themed “Social Emotional Learning as a Tool to Build Mental Resilience in Youth.”
The session featured expert insights on building resilience, navigating entrepreneurship, and aligning mental wellness with work readiness and financial health.
In 2024, we integrated mental wellbeing into the JA-Z Zurich Foundation Social Equity Program, reaching 53,970 youth across seven African countries. The impact is clear—mental wellness drives leadership and long-term success. Watch the full session on our YouTube channel. Special thanks to the Z Zurich Foundation and Toli Wekka for making it happen.
As we close out May, I’m grateful for the reinforcements of the power of community, the value of visibility, and the urgency of reimagining partnerships that truly serve our youth.
At JA Africa, we believe that empowering young people isn’t just the work of NGOs; it’s a shared responsibility. We’re poised for even greater impact in the months ahead, but we can’t do it alone. If you believe in forging a new deal for Africa’s future, one where youth are at the center, now is the time to act.
ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Lauch and first zonal quiz in Mozambique – Some of the girls participating in the STEMpreneurship Program in partnership with Boeing
Image: JA Africa.
