How FFE Supports Education?

How FFE Supports Education in Africa by Providing Scholarships and skill development

Did you know that over 42 million children (about four times the population of Austria) of school age in sub-Saharan Africa are not enrolled in primary and secondary education, and only 9% of African youth can access higher education? This staggering disparity highlights the urgent need for initiatives like Fund for Education (FFE), where the united support of the donors helps break down these barriers and empowers students to reach their full potential with access to education in Africa. Education is a transformative force that can shape futures, lift families out of poverty, and build stronger communities.  

Over the past few years, we have brought about concrete change in 11 countries in Africa - by providing scholarships for African students, vocational training, and leadership development programmes that not only change individual lives but entire communities. Here's how we do it: 

Providing Scholarships for Higher Education 

One of the biggest hurdles students face is the financial burden of higher education. Many families in Africa simply cannot afford tuition fees, let alone the additional costs of books and supplies. At FFE, we believe that no talented student should lose the chance of an education because of financial difficulties. For this reason, we award scholarships to socially committed young people so that they have access to the education they need to pursue their dreams. To date, we have supported students in fields like nursing, technology, and medicine—fields that are crucial to community development. These scholarships not only enable individual success but also uplift entire families and communities.  

Learning Management System (LMS) Courses for Skill Development 

Education should equip students with the skills needed to thrive in the modern world, which is why FFE goes beyond traditional schooling. Through our Learning Management System (LMS), we offer courses in high-demand areas such as software development, marketing, sales, and soft skills. These courses ensure that students are not just educated but also employable, giving them the tools they need to succeed in both local and global job markets. By providing this practical, hands-on training, we empower students to immediately apply their new knowledge in ways that can directly benefit their communities. 

Empowering Future Community Leaders 

At FFE, we are not just focused on academic success; we are committed to fostering future community leaders. We believe that a community is best built by its own members, as they understand their needs and how to align solutions with them. Lasting change happens from within, not from external sources. Our scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate a strong commitment to giving back—whether it's a medical student improving rural healthcare or a tech student solving local challenges. By focusing on leadership development, we ensure that the impact of our programmes extends far beyond the classroom. 

Fostering Global Opportunities for African Youth 

In today's world, education is about more than just local success - it's about creating global opportunities. In addition to awarding scholarships to African students, FFE connects them to global networks and gives them access to international resources, knowledge and opportunities. Whether they stay in their home countries or venture abroad, our students are prepared to make a difference around the world. Through these connections, we enable them to serve both their local communities and the world at large, ensuring that their education has a far-reaching impact.

Expanding Opportunities Beyond Traditional Education 

For many students in Africa, long-term university programmes are not always feasible due to time or financial constraints. To address this, FFE offers vocational training and short courses in fields such as digital marketing, software development, and healthcare. These programmes are designed to equip students with practical skills they can use immediately to secure employment or start businesses, generating income for their families and improving their communities. This flexible approach to education allows us to reach even more students and empower them to make a difference in a shorter amount of time.