A Global Standard for Community Transformation
Ubuntu Pathways (formerly Ubuntu Education Fund) is a nonprofit organization that provides an integrated support system of health, education, and social support in the townships of Gqeberha, South Africa, previously known as Port Elizabeth. Over the past 22 years, what began as a fortuitous meeting between two strangers has grown into an internationally-recognized blueprint for community transformation. Ubuntu has redefined mainstream development models by focusing on the depth rather than breadth of our impact on a community of 400,000. We believe in trusting those closest to the problem to create the solution. In partnership with the Bertha Foundation, we have created a world-class staff development initiative and today, 95% of our team are leaders from the community we serve.
Separated by race, nationality, and age, Jacob Lief and Malizole 'Banks' Gwaxula were brought together by something far more powerful––the spirit of ubuntu, roughly translated as ‘I am because you are'. Their unexpectedly profound journey has inspired a new, bold thinking about breaking the cycle of poverty.
Meet Our Team
Want to Work With Us?
In addition to our headquarters in South Africa, we have fundraising offices in New York and London.
“You are not helpless, you are not ciphers that can be manipulated. You are people who can prepare your own thoughts.”
— Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Ubuntu Pathways Patron
Monitoring
& Evaluation
Ubuntu measures success not by textbooks distributed, but by university graduates. Annually, we conduct an on-track/off-track assessment, an evaluation framework developed in partnership with McKinsey & Company, to determine our impact and maintain organizational accountability. A client who is on-track is defined as one who is moving toward a successful outcome—a healthy, financially stable life.
Annual Reports
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2022 Annual Report
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2021 Annual Report
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2020 Annual Report
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2019 Annual Report
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20 Years of Ubuntu
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Cradle to Career
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Everything. Everyday.
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2015
Download Growing Up.Growing Up.
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A Million to One: Changing the Odds
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Made in South Africa
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Should Your Birthplace Determine Your Future?
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From Cradle to Career
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Life’s Journey, One Step at a Time
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10 Years: It’s Working
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I Am Because You Are
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For the Children of South Africa
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For the Children of South Africa
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Investing in Results
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It’s All About Community
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Annual Report