James Urdang, a local social entrepreneur, is flying the SA flag in global markets having been named as one of 10 recipients worldwide of the Klaus J Jacobs Award for 2018. The Award honours social innovation and change-making in the field of child and youth development.

Urdang, who is the CEO & Founder of Education Africa, was mentored by Walter Sisulu and he is proud that his organisation’s model for social impact is being recognised world-wide in Nelson Mandela’s centenary year. Both statesmen supported various Education Africa projects.

Education Africa is an NPO whose focus is to break the cycle of poverty and educate a new generation of leaders through educational interventions and providing educational opportunities for various age groups among South Africa’s disadvantaged citizens. Its policy of  “Making real change Happen” by implementing “Poverty alleviation through Education” is well documented since 1992, and in the past ten years alone the reach of Education Africa’s projects has impacted hundreds-of-thousands of learners.

Lavinia Jacobs, President of the Jacobs Foundation in Switzerland said, “James’ ongoing commitment and relentless personal engagement to break the cycle of poverty among South Africa’s disadvantaged people by providing educational opportunities for children and youth, is outstanding. He is beyond talking – he acts.”

Urdang receives CHF100 000.00 which has been earmarked specifically for the ongoing sustainability and development of Education Africa’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) project. This together with the 2018 Klaus J Jacobs Award will be presented at an Awards Ceremony in Zurich on 30 November.

Commenting on the announcement of the 2018 Klaus J Jacobs Award Kananelo Makhetha, President of Education Africa said, “This Award is well deserved and we are very proud and grateful that James Urdang’s efforts and commitment have received international recognition. James is a social entrepreneur and humanitarian of note. He has dedicated more than 28 years of his life to a cause that is very close to his heart - helping to bring about real, positive and meaningful change to the lives of disadvantaged South Africans.”

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For additional information, kindly contact James Urdang, CEO and Founder of Education Africa on 083 708 3499. Email: james@educationafrica.org

For media queries, media accreditation, interview requests and to access high resolution pictures contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632

Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Education Africa